Introduction
Cotton cultivation requires careful attention to environmental and agricultural factors. As a crop sensitive to temperature, water, and soil conditions, cotton demonstrates optimal growth and productivity only under specific circumstances. This article explores the requirements for maximizing cotton yield, focusing on temperature, soil needs, water management, and the impact of climate change. Insights from extensive research highlight the significance of these factors in cotton growth, flowering, boll formation, and overall performance.
Climatic Requirements
Cotton growth is highly influenced by temperature, relative humidity, and sunlight duration. Optimal growth occurs within a temperature range of 23.5°C to 32°C, with an ideal average of approximately 28°C. Temperatures above 40°C or below 20°C significantly reduce growth and yield, demonstrating cotton’s sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
Evaporation and relative humidity also play crucial roles. High evaporation rates cause water stress, reducing flower and boll production, whereas higher relative humidity improves boll retention. Sunlight duration impacts growth as well; although cotton benefits from adequate light, excessive sunlight exposure (over 12 hours per day) can limit flowering and boll formation in short-day cotton varieties.
Soil and Water Management
Soil quality is a critical factor in cotton productivity. Cotton prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and adequate organic matter. The deep root system of cotton facilitates efficient nutrient extraction under optimal soil conditions. Balanced fertilization—appropriate application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—promotes growth and supports boll formation.
Water availability during critical growth stages, such as flowering and boll formation, is vital. Studies indicate that irrigation should maintain soil moisture at approximately 35% of field capacity to ensure optimal water utilization. Surface irrigation systems perform well in low-rainfall areas, ensuring uniform water distribution. Low-water irrigation during vegetative stages has minimal impact on yield, but water stress during reproductive stages—such as flowering and boll formation—significantly reduces productivity.
Climate Change and Adaptation
Factors such as wind speed, sudden temperature fluctuations, and prolonged droughts pose challenges for cotton farmers. High wind speeds can increase transpiration and physically damage the crop. Similarly, rapid temperature changes during the flowering period can cause boll shedding.
Adaptation strategies, including selecting heat-resistant varieties and optimizing planting dates, help mitigate the adverse effects of climate conditions. Techniques like drip irrigation improve water use efficiency, and the application of plant growth regulators (e.g., abscisic acid) can reduce stress-related damage. Farmers should also regularly monitor environmental conditions to implement timely interventions, such as pest control and nutrient supplementation, to counteract the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
The success of cotton cultivation depends on aligning environmental and agricultural conditions with the physiological needs of the crop. Optimal temperatures, balanced soil fertility, effective water management, and adaptation to climate change are essential for maximizing cotton yield and quality. By adopting science-based methods and technologies, farmers can overcome environmental challenges and enhance the sustainability of cotton production, achieving higher yields alongside improved quality and efficiency.
References
1. High day and night temperatures impact on cotton yield and quality—current status and future research direction SAINI Dinesh K., IMPA S. M. , MCCALLISTER Donna, PATIL Gunvant B., ABIDI Noureddine4, RITCHIE Glen, JACONIS S. Y. and JAGADISH Krishna S. V.
2. Optimal planting pattern of cotton is regulated by irrigation amount under mulch drip irrigation Wenqing Zuo, Baojian Wu, Yuxuan Wang, Shouzhen Xu, Jingshan Tian, Xingli Jiu, Hengyi Dong and Wangfeng Zhang
3. Cotton production and climatic factors: Studying the nature of its relationship by different statistical methods Zakaria M. Sawan