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Cotton

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is one of the world’s most important crops, mainly for producing fibers used in the textile industry. In addition to its fibers, it is an annual plant that produces seeds used to extract cottonseed oil and animal feed.

Botanical Characteristics:

The most widespread species is Gossypium hirsutum, which is grown on approximately 90% of the world’s cotton area. Gossypium barbadense is known for its long and delicate fibers, which produce high-quality fabrics. Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium herbaceum are primarily cultivated in Asia and Africa to make traditional textiles.

Cotton is grown as an annual crop, with the growing season lasting between 150 and 200 days, depending on the variety and climatic conditions.

Physiological characteristics

Cotton requires temperatures between 20°C and 30°C for optimal growth. It is resistant to heat but sensitive to cold and frost. It has moderate water requirements, with irrigation necessary during flowering and fruit development. It requires balanced fertilization emphasizing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support growth and fiber production.

Morphological characteristics

Cotton has a strong root system, with a primary root that extends deep into the soil, enabling the plant to access water and nutrients from the deeper soil layers. The shoots are erect and branched, with a height of 1-2 meters, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The leaves are large, alternate, and palmate, with 3-5 lobes. They are hairy and green, thus contributing to photosynthesis.

Reproductive characteristics

The cotton flowers are large and showy, with colors ranging from white to yellow and pink. They are monogenetic, meaning each plant produces flowers containing both male and female reproductive organs. Flowering lasts about 2–3 days, with the flowers opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon. The fruits of cotton are capsules containing seeds and fibers. Each capsule contains 3 to 5 pods, and each pod holds many seeds wrapped in fibers. Opening the capsules exposes the fibers, ready for harvesting. The seeds are large and covered with short fibers known as lints. Once they remove the fibers, they produce cottonseed oil and animal feed.

Climate requirements

Growing cotton requires specific climatic conditions to achieve high yields and quality production.

Temperature

Cotton grows best at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. These temperatures enable the normal growth of shoots and fruits. The soil temperature should be at least 15°C for successful seed establishment.

 

Rainfall

Cotton requires moderate rainfall, approximately 500–700 mm per year, distributed evenly throughout the growing season. Excessive rain can cause drainage problems and increase the risk of diseases.

Sunlight

Cotton is a plant that requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Good exposure to sunlight enhances photosynthesis and contributes to the production of high-quality fiber.

Wind

Mild winds can help dry out plants and reduce leaf moisture, thereby reducing the risk of disease. Strong winds can cause physical damage to plants, such as breaking shoots and shedding flowers and fruit.

Moisture

Cotton prefers moderate humidity, ideally between 60% and 70%. Too low humidity can cause dehydration and stress to plants, while too high humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Soil requirements

Cotton thrives best in sandy, sandy loam, and clay soils with excellent drainage. Soil pH should be between 5.8 and 7.0 for optimum plant growth. Heavy clay soil, as well as very alkaline (pH > 7.5) or acidic (pH < 5.5) soils, are not ideal for growing cotton, as they make drainage and nutrient uptake difficult. A good soil structure enables the development of a robust root system and provides excellent air permeability. Cotton favors soils that possess a loose structure and resist easy compaction. A mixture of sand and clay is ideal for growing cotton. Sandy soil provides excellent drainage, while clay soils retain essential nutrients and moisture.

Soil preparation

Cultivation and tillage: Before sowing, cultivate the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm to loosen and aerate it. Tillage helps break up clods and smooth the soil surface. Incorporating organic matter, such as manure or compost, can improve the soil’s structure and fertility.

Fertilization: According to soil diagnostic analyses, basic fertilization should include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen can be applied in two doses, one before sowing and the second during growth.

Seed preparation: Farmers must level the soil thoroughly to ensure uniform sowing and germination. They can utilize specialized sowing equipment to ensure proper seed distribution.

Basic Fertilization

Proper basic fertilization is essential for achieving high yields and the excellent health of cotton plants. Basic fertilization involves providing the necessary macronutrients and micronutrients to the soil before and during the growing season.

  • Nitrogen (N)

    Nitrogen is essential for shoot and leaf growth, chlorophyll synthesis, and overall plant growth. Apply nitrogen in two doses: 50% before sowing and 50% during plant growth.

  • Phosphorus (P)

    Phosphorus is essential for developing the root system, flowering, and fruiting. Apply phosphorus before sowing, usually as ammonium superphosphate or diphosphate.

  • Potassium (K)

    Potassium helps regulate plant water, enhances stress resistance, and improves fiber quality. Apply potassium sulfate or potassium chloride before sowing and during the plant’s growth stage.

  • Magnesium (Mg)

    Magnesium is a central element of chlorophyll and is essential for photosynthesis. You can add magnesium in the form of magnesium sulfate or through magnesium-containing compound fertilizers.

  • Sulfur (S)

    Sulfur is essential for the synthesis of proteins and enzymes. One can add either ammonium sulfate or potassium sulfate to the mixture.

  • Micronutrients

    Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) are essential for various physiological functions of plants. Apply these elements by foliar fertilization or drip irrigation.

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Foliar applications in cotton

Foliar fertilization is a technique that delivers nutrients directly to plants through their leaves. This method is beneficial for quickly correcting nutrient deficiencies and enhancing plant growth at critical stages. The advantages of foliar fertilization are the direct uptake of nutrients and the effective treatment of micronutrient deficiencies.

The best times for foliar applications are early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is lower and the humidity is higher. Avoid periods of intense sunshine to prevent leaf burns.

The elements for foliar applications are

  • Nitrogen (N) is essential for the active growth of leaves and shoots.
  • Phosphorus (P) is necessary during the flowering stage to improve the setting of fruit.
  • Potassium (K) plays a crucial role during fruit development.
  • Magnesium (Mg) is essential during the period of intense photosynthesis.
  • Micronutrients (Zn, Mn, B, Fe) are essential during active leaf development and flowering.
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The doses and growth stages mentioned are indicative and are always adjusted according to the recommendations of the agricultural consultant. Because rational fertilization is always assessed in relation to:

  • Expected yield
  • Soil characteristics
  • Planting density
  • Environmental conditions
  • Growth stage
  • Plant vigor
  • Cultivation duration
  • Hybrid

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