Summer cotton high yield cultivation techniques
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The sowing period for summer cotton is typically between May 20th and June 5th, with the latest recommended date being June 10th. This timing ensures that the plants have enough time to grow before the peak summer heat sets in.
Summer cotton can be planted using various intercropping systems. Common methods include growing wheat and cotton together with two harvests, planting oil (or vegetable) crops alongside cotton, or cultivating vegetables such as cabbage in combination with cotton. These practices help maximize land use and optimize yields.
When it comes to planting techniques, full sowing with seedlings is often used. However, due to high summer temperatures, traditional seeding methods may not be effective in maintaining healthy seedlings. Based on years of experience, hydraulic seeding—where seeds are sown after watering—has proven to be the most efficient method for ensuring uniform germination and strong plant growth.
Proper plant density is crucial for high yields. A typical planting density ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 seedlings per acre, with 8 to 10 fruiting branches per plant. In areas with higher soil fertility, the density can go up to 6,000 seedlings per acre, with about seven fruiting branches per plant. However, this should be adjusted based on soil conditions—denser planting in fertile soils and slightly spaced in less fertile ones.
Fertilization should begin as soon as possible after wheat harvesting to prevent weed competition. Since base fertilizers are usually not applied during intercropping, early fertilizer application is essential. A common mix includes 20 kg of diammonium phosphate, 10–15 kg of potassium fertilizer, and 0.5–1 kg of boron and zinc. To avoid excessive vegetative growth, no additional top-dressing is usually done. However, a second round of flowering and bolling fertilizer is applied during the early blooming stage, typically around 15–20 kg of urea per mu. Late-stage watering and top-dressing are avoided, and instead, 2–3 sprays of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer are recommended to promote ripening and prevent late maturity.
Timely field management is important to control excessive growth. Early weeding, multiple cultivations, and deep loosening of the soil during the seedling stage are all necessary. Chemical control should also be implemented promptly to manage pests and diseases effectively.
Pest and disease control is another critical aspect. While seedling diseases are generally mild, Verticillium wilt tends to appear later and can be more severe. Early detection and treatment are essential to minimize damage.
Finally, proper ripening is key to achieving high-quality cotton. Summer cotton often has a low pre-flowering rate, so artificial ripening is commonly used. The first step involves applying ethephon, usually between October 5th and 10th. The second step is dry ripening, which should take place after October 10th when the average temperature drops below 15°C. This process not only improves yield and seed quality but also enhances the overall quality of the cotton.