The cotton fields are considered to be a biologically 'sterile' environment because of the constant use of pesticides and herbicides, however little work has been done to document the potential benefits of altering crop management practices which may result in less reliance on chemicals, greater soil biodiversity, and improved soil structure. Studies in southern Australia (Haines and Uren 1990, Rovira et al 1987) have shown rotations and conservation tillage to double the presence of soil fauna. Haines and Uren (1990) also noted improvements in soil structural properties which was seen to be a consequence of increased soil biological activity .