agriculture review

The Ultimate Guide On Cotton Farming

by aditya abhishek

Cotton is popularly known as "White Gold" and "King of Fibre Crops." The value of global cotton market was $ 63.6 Billion in the year 2017 & 150 countries are involved in cotton business. 

Soil

Alluvial, black, red sandy, loamy, or laterite soil with Soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.0 is ideal for cultivating cotton. Avoid cultivation in waterlogged and alkaline soil.

Climate 

tropical to sub-tropical climate is good. Average temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius is perfect for seed germination. Above 35 degrees Celsius can result in reduced yield.

Seed Rate & Spacing

For fuzzy seeds seed rate is 10 to 20 Kgs./hectare but for delinted seeds 6 Kgs./hectare. Follow spacing of 75 × 15 Centimetres.

Sowing Method

Sow cotton seeds on flat beds under rainfed condition by using seed drill, dibble, or country plough. But in irrigated farming, practice hand dibbling.

Irrigation

Irrigate immediately after seed sowing.  Then irrigate 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 days after sowing of seeds. This will promote healthy growth in cotton crop. 

Fertilizers

Add 12.5 tonnes of Farm Yard Manure & Azospirillum @2 Kg./hectare. during field preparation.  Then120 Kg N, 70 Kg P2O5 and 80 Kg K2O per hectare.

Harvesting

Around 160 days after plantation you can start harvesting cotton. Harvest only when the balls have burst open. 

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