Cotton

Cotton sowing requires stable soil temperatures at a depth of 10 cm of at least +12...+14°C. Optimal planting dates depend on the region, typically falling in spring when the risk of night frosts is completely eliminated.

For high-quality germination, seeds require sufficient moisture, which is why pre-irrigation of the field is often applied. Sowing depth ranges from 3 to 5 cm, depending on the soil texture and moisture levels.

An important step is following the planting pattern to ensure optimal plant density. Wide-row planting with spacing of 60–90 cm allows for mechanical soil cultivation throughout the growing season.

To accelerate germination, seeds are often delinted, meaning the removal of residual fuzz, which improves flowability and ensures faster contact with damp soil. Modern agronomy relies on precision planters for uniform distribution.

If temperatures drop after planting, seedlings may be susceptible to root rot, necessitating the use of fungicide-treated seeds. The first irrigation after emergence is critical for the development of a robust root system.

Cotton is a heat-loving crop that requires a high accumulation of active temperatures throughout the entire growing season. The sum of active temperatures must exceed 3000–3500°C for the full maturation of the cotton bolls.

The plant is highly demanding of sunlight intensity; therefore, productivity drops sharply in dense stands or under significant shading. Long daylight hours contribute positively to the growth rate and overall development.

Soil conditions are decisive: cotton prefers fertile serozems, chestnut, or alluvial soils with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Absence of salinity is crucial, as the crop is sensitive to excess chlorides.

The crop requires regular moisture, especially during flowering and active boll development. Irrigation scheduling must be balanced to prevent waterlogging, which often triggers root diseases.

Nutritional requirements are high, particularly regarding nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Potassium application promotes fiber strength and general plant resistance to adverse environmental factors.

The average yield of seed cotton globally varies significantly depending on cultivation technology and irrigation levels. In advanced farming operations, yields can reach 30 to 50 centners per hectare.

Final output is determined not only by the number of bolls but also by fiber quality, evaluated by length, strength, and linear density. Intensive varieties are capable of delivering high output with optimized fertilization.

Factors limiting yield include temperature stress during flowering and insufficient nutrient supply in the second half of the season. Growth regulators are often used to redistribute plant resources toward boll maturation.

Significant yield losses occur due to boll shedding caused by temperature fluctuations or disrupted water balance. Timely topping, or pinching off the main stem, helps stop vegetative growth and accelerates maturity.

Yield assessment is conducted during the technical maturity stage when the majority of bolls have opened. High-tech farms use satellite monitoring to forecast yields and determine the most efficient harvesting time.

The most dangerous pest for cotton is the bollworm, whose larvae damage leaves and penetrate developing bolls. Mass outbreaks of this pest can destroy up to half of the total harvest.

Aphids and spider mites frequently attack crops in dry, hot climates, sucking sap from leaves, which leads to deformation and reduced photosynthetic activity. Prevention includes the use of biological control agents and timely interventions.

Wilt is a serious fungal disease affecting the vascular system, causing the plant to wither and die. Control measures include crop rotation and the selection of resistant breeding varieties.

Root rots are most active in conditions of soil over-saturation and low temperatures immediately after sowing. Protection is achieved through seed treatment and thorough field preparation before planting.

Bacterial blight affects all aerial organs of the plant, manifesting as oily spots on leaves and bolls. Managing this disease requires strict phytosanitary measures and the destruction of infected plant debris.

Harvesting is the final and labor-intensive stage, traditionally divided into two phases. Modern production has almost entirely shifted to mechanical harvesting using specialized cotton pickers.

To prepare for machine harvesting, defoliation is used—the artificial removal of leaves via chemical agents. This process accelerates boll opening and minimizes fiber contamination from plant debris.

The optimal time for harvest begins when over 70–80% of the bolls on the bush have opened. Delays lead to decreased fiber quality due to rainfall exposure and soil contamination.

After harvesting, seed cotton undergoes primary processing at cotton gins, where the fiber is separated from the seeds. The resulting seeds are used for oil extraction and technical industrial processing.

Storage of harvested cotton requires strict humidity control to prevent self-heating and raw material decay. Storage facilities must ensure active ventilation and protection from moisture.