Spring Cultivation Management Techniques for Cotton

I. Technical Points for Northwest Inland Cotton Areas

1. Pre-Planting Preparation

Residue Cleanup and Base Fertilization: Thoroughly clean field residues, and apply 20 kg/acre of organic fertilizer, 20 kg/acre of urea, 15 kg/acre of diammonium phosphate, 5 kg/acre of potassium sulfate, or 40 kg/acre of compound fertilizer.
Soil Treatment: In suitable soil moisture conditions, perform plowing at a depth of 28-30 cm to ensure a well-structured, fine, and compact soil surface, with neat field edges and a level ground surface free of residue.

2. Variety Selection

Select early-maturing, high-quality, high-yielding, and disease-resistant varieties that are suitable for local climate and mechanical harvesting conditions, paying attention to the growth period and plant shape characteristics of the varieties.

3. Planting Patterns

Adopt a planting pattern of one film with six rows or one film with three rows. Properly arrange row spacing and plant density, and pay attention to the layout of the drip irrigation system to ensure even water supply.

4. Precise Sowing

Sowing Conditions: Begin sowing when the soil temperature reaches a stable 12°C. Pay attention to precise control of sowing depth and seed quantity.
Post-Sowing Management: Implement timely drip irrigation and adjust water volume according to soil salinity and alkalinity levels. Strengthen soil management during the seedling stage.

5. Seedling to Flowering Stage Management

Chemical Regulation: Based on plant growth conditions, use paclobutrazol at the appropriate time to control the length of the main stem internodes.
Pest and Disease Control: Focus on integrated pest and disease management, especially for cotton aphids, cotton thrips, and seedling diseases, and promote the use of biological pesticides.

6. Disaster Prevention

Strengthen monitoring and prevention of low temperatures, cold damage, and other adverse weather conditions that may affect early-stage cotton growth. Implement timely, scientifically effective response measures.

II. Technical Points for Yellow River Basin Cotton Areas

1. Pre-Planting Preparation

Focus on soil preparation, fertilization, and moisture conservation to ensure suitable soil conditions and sufficient moisture supply.

2. Timely Sowing

Based on local climatic characteristics, arrange sowing time reasonably, select suitable varieties, and ensure scientific management of sowing methods and depth.

3. Seedling Management

Emphasize soil management and pest and disease control during the seedling stage, particularly for the prevention of mirid bugs and aphids. Implement appropriate chemical and biological pest control measures.

III. Technical Points for Yangtze River Basin Cotton Areas

1. Mechanical Sowing of Cotton

Pre-Planting Preparation: Emphasize residue management after the harvest of previous crops and soil improvement measures.
Precise Sowing: Choose appropriate varieties, focus on sowing accuracy and depth to ensure high germination rates.

2. Field Management

Weed Control: Use herbicides appropriately, paying attention to the selection and timing of herbicide application to avoid negative effects on cotton growth.
Seedling to Flowering Stage Management: Strengthen pest and disease control, especially in humid conditions. Promote the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pest control and unified pest management techniques.