In addition, when planting fine cotton varieties or even the same type of cotton, in large-scale farming, the output among different village groups and households can vary significantly. One of the key factors influencing this variation is the analysis of reasons and the rationality of planting density.
The planting density of cotton often changes based on the variety selected and the level of cultivation and management. In the 1970s and 1980s, over 90% of China’s main cotton-producing regions used conventional cotton varieties, with a planting density of 3,000 to 4,000 plants per mu. Later, as transplanting technology for nutrition seedlings became more widespread and hybrid cotton varieties were introduced, the planting density gradually decreased. However, due to differences in planting methods, fertilization levels, and management practices, there was a big variation in how cotton was planted. Some farmers planted between 1,300 to 1,500 plants per mu, while others planted up to 1,800 to 2,000. Some used wide and narrow row spacing, while others opted for wider rows. As a result, some fields had excellent ecological conditions, leading to high and stable yields with good quality, while others performed poorly, resulting in lower production and substandard quality.
Based on years of field research, the author has observed that improper planting methods and excessively high densities, especially in hybrid or insect-resistant cotton, can lead to several negative consequences. First, it increases labor costs during transplanting, which is not cost-effective for larger farms. Second, it leads to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Third, it makes field operations and management more difficult, and hinders soil cultivation. During strong winds, the plants are more likely to lodge. Fourth, the plants may close too early, causing shaded fields, poor air circulation, and increased flower bud drop, which negatively affects early fruit formation. Lastly, during periods of high temperature and heavy rain in late August and early September, the risk of cotton rot becomes severe, causing significant losses.
Therefore, to achieve high-quality and high-yield results from superior cotton varieties, it's essential to create a suitable growing environment for the cotton plants. This includes ensuring a balanced layout across the upper, middle, and lower parts of the plant, allowing both individual plant advantages and population benefits to be maximized. Key technical measures should be followed:
Reforming planting methods by adopting a "wheat and two flowers" approach—planting wheat, rapeseed, or broad beans in the center of the ridges, with cotton rows on either side. The ridge width should be around 2 meters, with a maximum of 2.4 meters. This method improves field management, enhances air and light exposure, facilitates irrigation, lowers the groundwater level, and promotes uniform boll development.
Adjust the planting density per mu accordingly: approximately 1,300 plants in fertile fields and 1,500 in moderately fertile ones. For conventional cotton, the density ranges from 1,500–1,600 in fertile areas, 1,700–1,800 in medium-fertility areas, and around 2,000 in low-fertility areas. It's particularly important to ensure that the average row spacing for hybrid cotton is no less than 1 meter, with flexible plant spacing.
Shaping an ideal plant structure is crucial for achieving high yields with minimal management. When the plant grows vigorously, careful shaping is needed. Using growth regulators like diethylamine, melatonin, or similar products 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 quantities before and after light weight stages, can effectively manage plant development.
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