In addition, when cultivating high-quality cotton varieties or even the same type of cotton, large-scale production often leads to significant differences in output among different village groups and households. The analysis of reasons and the rationality of planting density distribution are key factors influencing these variations.
The planting density of cotton is frequently adjusted based on the choice of variety and the level of farming management. In the 1970s and 1980s, over 90% of China’s major cotton-producing regions used conventional cotton varieties, with a planting density of around 3,000 to 4,000 plants per mu. However, as transplanting technology for nutrition seedlings advanced and new hybrid cotton varieties became more widely adopted, planting density gradually decreased. Despite this, differences in planting methods, fertilization levels, and field layout still led to considerable variation in density. Some farmers planted as few as 1,300–1,500 plants per mu, while others went up to 1,800–2,000. Some used wide and narrow row planting, while others opted for wide rows. As a result, some fields achieved excellent ecological effects, with high and stable yields and superior quality, while others suffered from poor performance, lower yields, and substandard quality.
Based on years of field research, the author has found that improper planting methods and overly dense planting of hybrid cotton, especially insect-resistant hybrids, can lead to several negative consequences. First, excessive density increases labor costs during transplanting, which is not cost-effective for large-scale farmers. Second, it leads to overuse of fertilizers and pesticides. Third, it complicates field operations and makes soil cultivation difficult. During strong winds, the plants are more likely to lodge, causing damage. Fourth, dense planting can cause premature canopy closure, reducing air circulation and light penetration, leading to heavy flower bud drop and negatively affecting early fruit setting. Finally, during late August and early September, when high temperatures and continuous rain occur, the risk of cotton rot becomes severe, resulting in significant losses.
To achieve high-quality and high-yield results with good cotton varieties, it is essential to create a suitable growing environment for the cotton plants. This includes ensuring a balanced structure across the upper, middle, and lower parts of the plant, allowing both individual plants and the overall population to perform optimally. Key technical practices should be followed:
First, reforming the planting method by adopting a "wheat and two flowers" approach—planting wheat, rapeseed, or broad beans in the center of the raised beds, with cotton rows on either side. The width of each bed should be about 2 meters, with a maximum of 2.4 meters. This arrangement improves field management, enhances air and light conditions, facilitates irrigation, lowers the groundwater level, and promotes uniform fruit development.
Second, properly adjust the planting density per mu. For well-fertilized fields, aim for approximately 1,300 plants, and for moderately fertile fields, around 1,500. Conventional cotton should have 1,500–1,600 plants in well-fertilized areas, 1,700–1,800 in medium-fertility fields, and about 2,000 in poor-fertility areas. It is especially important to ensure that the average row spacing for hybrid cotton is no less than 1 meter, with flexible spacing between individual plants.
Third, shaping an ideal plant structure is crucial for achieving high yields with minimal management. When cotton grows vigorously, careful pruning is necessary. Using growth regulators like diethylamine, melatonin, or other effective agents can help control growth. A dose of 1 gram or 4 milliliters per acre before topping, and 4–5 grams or 16–20 milliliters after topping, applied in small amounts before and after light weight, can help maintain a balanced plant shape and promote steady growth.
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