Experiments were conducted from 1987 through 1989 to determine the most effective and consistent control of velvetleaf in cotton with soil-applied herbicides. Norflurazon was applied at 1.1 or 1.7 kg ha-1 either preplant (PPI) or preemergence (PRE) or by splitting these rates and applying half PPI and the other half PRE. All methods of norflurazon application were compared with and without a PRE application of diuron at 1.1 kg ha-1. The most consistent control was achieved with PPI norflurazon at either 1.1 or 1.7 kg ha-1 followed by diuron. In 1988, crop injury at 2 wk varied and was 29% or greater for preemergence norflurazon tank-mixed with diuron.