India stands as the second-largest cotton producer in the world, accounting for 20% of the global cotton production. The nation’s cotton industry plays a pivotal role in sustaining national economic growth, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The natural climate and geography of the country favours huge-scale cotton production, especially in Gujarat. However, to maintain and improve cotton yields, it is important to set the stage the right way by preparing healthy soil for optimal seed growth. The development of plants, yield, and fibre quality are intricately linked to it. To ace soil preparation to cultivate cotton seeds, let’s explore a few things one should keep in mind in the coming season:

Understanding Cotton’s Soil Requirements

The nutrient needs of cotton, as for most crops, must be well-balanced about nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is most crucial for cotton’s growth, especially during seedling and squaring stages. The other main consideration is soil pH, between 5.5 and 7.0. A pH in the slightly acidic to neutral range is optimum for nutrient availability and uptake. Besides NPK and organic matter, cotton also requires other essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients. Lastly, cotton’s soil requirements include physical properties like texture, structure, and water-holding capacity.

Soil Testing & Analysis

To ensure optimal cotton growth, soil suitability is assessed by analysing certain key parameters such as nutrient levels, pH balance, organic matter content, and salinity under expert supervision, taking into account specific weather conditions and cotton seed varieties. It helps identify deficiencies of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil, minimising the risk of reduced yield, stunted plant growth, and lower fibre quality. This enables the farmer to apply the right fertiliser to improve soil quality, eliminating major imbalances in alkalinity or acidity.

Adjusting Soil pH

Optimal cotton growth demands a neutral or slightly alkaline environment with an optimum pH balance of 0.7 to 0.8. Iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese, or boron deficiency may develop in the soil with a pH higher than 7.5, while on the other hand, soil with a pH level lower than 5.5 involves the risks of calcium or molybdenum deficiency. In this scenario, lime is highly effective in raising the pH of the soil, while gypsum or sulfur-based supplements are most frequently used to lower the pH. Additives should be added to the soil at least a few months prior to planting for optimal results. Five to six months after application, amendments in most soils reach their peak effectiveness.

Enhancing Soil Fertility

To boost crop yield, soil fertility can be improved by incorporating numerous organic methods. Using farmyard manure and compost ensures the right balance of nutrients during cotton cultivation, reducing the need for chemical fertiliser that can harm soil health. Cotton weeds are well suppressed by common cover crops like vetch and cereal rye. Mixed cover crops, including less researched species like triticale, turnips, and lupine, nevertheless exhibit potential. By fixing nitrogen, contributing organic matter, and encouraging a healthy soil structure, legumes, cover crops, and green manure can all increase soil fertility. Soil fertility can be further improved by applying fertiliser strategically and managing water resources optimally.

Irrigation & Moisture Management

Cotton has a 700–1000 mm total climatic water need, which depends from genotype to genotype, region to region, soil to soil, and scientific management to farmer management. It also depends on when the cotton seeds are sown. However, drip or sprinkler irrigation can be utilised during cultivation for constant water supply without overwatering and maintaining the right moisture balance.

Weed & Pest Management

Cotton weeds must be controlled effectively and economically using a multifaceted strategy that incorporates mechanical, chemical, biological, and cultural techniques. By rotating crops in a routine manner, weeds that have acclimated to the growth conditions of cotton are disrupted, and other herbicides with different modes of action can be used to control the tolerant weed species in cotton. A rotation strategy that incorporates alfalfa and cereals helps reduce annual weed issues.

Tilling & Seedbed Preparation

Tilling the soil properly improves water absorption and root penetration for cotton seeds by loosening and aerating the soil. To guarantee a fine, uniform texture, big clumps should be broken up to clear away any debris. In order to reduce waterlogging, regular seed placement, germination, and early growth should be encouraged, and the soil should be leveled to create a homogenous seedbed.

Monitoring Soil Health During Growth Cycle

To maintain higher yields, regular standard soil tests should be conducted to monitor pH and organic matter balance. Infiltration capacity should also be tested from time to time to identify changes in soil structure that can affect cotton seed growth. Farmers should also keep monitoring earthworm counts to ensure soil health and fertility, as earthworms play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter, improving soil structure, and indicating overall ecosystem balance.

Growing cotton is a game of patience and balance. Those who master the skill of balancing nutrients and choosing the right seeds acknowledging the needs of the environment, win here. At Yashoda Hybrid Seeds, we partner with farmers to provide expert knowledge and high-quality seed varieties, ensuring a competitive edge in cotton farming. By offering a range of high-quality hybrid cotton seeds like Chamko, Waghoba, Mauli, YRCH-31 Bt and YRCH-40, Yashoda is growing as the most trusted seeds company in the country. Choose us as your trusted ally this season and reap a bountiful harvest.