In the Texas High Plains the use of sub-surface drip irrrigation (SDI) for cotton production has become more widespread in recent years since it may provide for more efficient water application and utilization by plants. Management of a cropping system that includes drip irrigation not only involves timely application of the water, but in the case of cotton production the rate of development of the crop is an integral part of the overall management scheme. Field studies were conducted for two years to determine the impact of different water applications, based on irrigation well capacity and using SDI, on seasonal water use, root distribution, growth and lint yield of two differrent cotton varieties commonly grown on the High Plains of Texas. Results indicated that there were differences in root distribution relative to the placement of the sub-surface drip line and the water application rates both within and between the varieties. Changes in yield were also directly related to the total water use among the varieties. The suitability of varieties for SDI will depend on irrigation well capacity and rainfall during the growing season.