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Growing Cotton
crop nutrition advice
Below, we share with you what you need to know about cotton cultivation, essential nutrients, and their role in the crop.
Cotton Nutrition & Agronomic Guide
Introduction
Global Significance & Major Producing Countries
Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is one of the world’s most important fiber crops, essential to the textile industry. Major producers include China, India, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan—together they account for over 75% of global output (USDA, 2023; ICAC, 2022). The crop is also a significant source of edible oil (from cottonseed) and protein-rich livestock feed (cottonseed meal).
Area and Production Statistics
According to FAO (2021), the global cotton area is approximately 33 million hectares, with production exceeding 25 million metric tons of fiber annually. Yields vary significantly—about 500–2,000 kg/ha—depending on region, climate, and farming practices.
Crop Nutritional Value & Consumption Segments
- Fiber Industry: Raw cotton is spun into yarn for textiles.
- Edible Oil: Cottonseed oil is a byproduct, used in cooking and processed foods.
- Livestock Feed: Cottonseed meal and hulls serve as protein-rich animal feed.
Key Cultivation Challenges
- Pest Pressure (bollworms, aphids, etc.).
- Soil Depletion due to intensive farming.
- High Irrigation Demand (~600–1,200 mm/season).
- Climate Variability affecting yields.
Market Preferences
- Longer staple fibers (≥30 mm) typically command premium prices.
- Growing demand for organic and sustainably produced cotton.
Plant Growth Environment
Soil Conditions
- Prefers well-drained loam soils with pH 5.8–7.5.
- Organic matter improves root development.
- Avoid compacted or highly saline soils.
pH Correction
- If pH < 5.5, lime applications can correct acidity.
- If pH > 7.5, acid-forming fertilizers or sulfur amendments can help gradually lower soil pH.
- Regular soil testing is critical for accurate amendments.
Climate Requirements
- Temperature: Optimal range is 25–35 °C; growth slows when <15 °C.
- Light: Requires full sun for optimal fiber formation.
- Humidity: High humidity elevates disease risk (e.g., boll rot).
Water Management
- Irrigation: ~600–1,200 mm per season, depending on local climate and variety.
- Rainfall Impact: Excess precipitation may cause boll rot and delay harvest.
- Water Quality: Salinity >1.2 dS/m reduces fiber quality. Cotton tolerates moderate salinity (ECe ~7–10 dS/m), but yields can suffer if combined with other stressors (ICAC, 2022).
Salinity, Sodicity & Heavy Metal Risks
- Heavy metal accumulation (Cd, Pb) can reduce fiber quality.
- Sodic soils benefit from gypsum applications and improved drainage.
Nutrient Roles & Symptoms
Impact of Nutrition on Yield & Quality
Balanced fertilization improves boll retention, fiber length, and fiber fineness. Under- or over-supply of nutrients can compromise yield and fiber quality.
Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Role in Cotton Growth | Deficiency Symptoms | Excess Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | Vegetative growth, chlorophyll synthesis, boll development | Pale yellow leaves, stunted growth, fewer bolls, delayed maturity | Excess foliage, delayed boll opening, heightened pest susceptibility |
| Phosphorus (P) | Root development, energy transfer, early boll formation | Purpling of older leaves, weak roots, delayed flowering | Potential limitation of micronutrients (Zn, Fe) if applied excessively |
| Potassium (K) | Fiber strength, boll size, drought tolerance, pest resistance | Weak stems, reduced boll size, poorer fiber quality, disease vulnerability | Elevated K can restrict Mg and Ca uptake |
| Calcium (Ca) | Cell wall strengthening, root growth, prevention of boll shedding | Boll shedding, deformed leaves, weak root system | Rarely toxic, though high Ca may reduce Mg, K uptake |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Chlorophyll formation, enzyme activation, boll retention | Interveinal chlorosis (older leaves), poor boll development | Excess Mg can interfere with Ca and K absorption |
| Sulfur (S) | Protein synthesis, seed oil content | Pale green leaves, slow growth, reduced seed/fiber quality | Too much S may acidify soil (less common) |
Growth Stages & Nutritional Needs
Key Growth Stages
- Germination & Seedling (0–3 weeks)
- Vegetative Growth (3–8 weeks)
- Flowering & Boll Formation (8–14 weeks)
- Boll Maturation & Harvest (14–20 weeks)
Nutrient Demand Across Stages (in Oxide Forms)
Note: Nitrogen is expressed in elemental form (N). All other nutrients are listed in their oxide forms (P₂O₅, K₂O, CaO, MgO, SO₃). These values are approximate; always tailor rates to soil/tissue tests and local conditions (Mississippi State University Extension, 2022).
| Growth Stage | N (kg/ha) | P₂O₅ (kg/ha) | K₂O (kg/ha) | CaO (kg/ha) | MgO (kg/ha) | SO₃ (kg/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 20–30 | 34–46 | 36–48 | 14–21 | 8–17 | 13–20 |
| Vegetative | 80–100 | 69–92 | 96–120 | 28–35 | 17–25 | 25–30 |
| Flowering | 50–60 | 46–69 | 108–144 | 28–42 | 17–25 | 30–38 |
| Maturation | 30–40 | 23–46 | 60–84 | 21–28 | 8–17 | 20–25 |
Application Methods
- Soil Application: The principal method for macronutrients.
- Foliar Sprays: Useful for in-season micronutrient corrections (B, Zn, etc.).
- Fertigation: Efficient for precision nutrient delivery if drip or center pivot is available.
Harvest Readiness & Post-Harvest Nutrient Impact
- Target harvest when about 60–70% of bolls have opened.
- Late-season nitrogen oversupply can delay fiber maturity (ICAC, 2022).
Climate Change Impacts on Crop Nutrition
CO₂ Effects on Uptake & Growth
Elevated CO₂ can boost water-use efficiency yet potentially reduce seed protein content (FAO, 2021).
Heat Stress & Nitrogen Assimilation
Rising temperatures intensify plant respiration rates, which can drive nitrogen deficiency if not closely managed.
Rainfall Variability & Nutrient Leaching
Erratic rainfall may cause P and K leaching, justifying split applications or fertigation.
Extreme Weather Adaptation
- Use drought- or heat-tolerant cultivars.
- Practice cover cropping to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
- Split or more frequent nutrient applications in regions with erratic rainfall (Mississippi State University Extension, 2022).
References
- FAO (2021) FAOSTAT: Crop Production Data.
- USDA (2023) World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates – Cotton.
- ICAC (International Cotton Advisory Committee) (2022). ICAC Annual Report.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (2022). Cotton Resources & Recommendations.
- Mississippi State University Extension (2022). Cotton Agronomic Practices.
Agronomic trials
Guides & Articles
For more information
Q&A
Here are some frequently asked questions we received from farmers regarding growing Cotton
Apply nitrogen in splits—roughly one-third at planting, one-third at early vegetative (3–5 weeks), and one-third before flowering. Maintain adequate K₂O and B levels for boll retention and fiber strength. Verify rates via regular soil or tissue tests.
A pH of ~6.0–7.0 is ideal. At pH <5.5, lime can neutralize acidity; at pH >7.5, sulfur-based amendments or acid-forming fertilizers can help gradually lower pH. Monitor changes through periodic tests.
Nitrogen, potassium, and boron deficiencies frequently appear in soils with poor fertility or imbalance. Drip or pivot irrigation systems allow fertigation, which supplies nutrients in small, frequent doses—helping to optimize uptake and reduce losses.
- Adopt conservation tillage to reduce erosion.
- Use precision irrigation (e.g., soil moisture sensors) to avoid both drought stress and waterlogging.
- Select drought-resistant varieties in regions prone to heat waves (USDA, 2023).
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