cottongrowing

Cotton growing is the cultivation of cotton plants to produce lint fiber and seeds. The two most widely grown species are Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton) and G. barbadense (pima). Cotton is grown in tropical and subtropical regions with major production in China, India, the United States, Pakistan, Brazil, and parts of Africa.

Cotton requires a long frost-free growing season and warm temperatures, typically 21–32°C, with adequate sunshine and rainfall or irrigation. Soils should be well-drained loams or sandy loams, with a pH around 5.5–7.5. It is sensitive to waterlogging and to soil salinity.

Cultivation involves sowing after the danger of frost, with row spacing and seed rate varying by variety. Early weed control and timely fertilization are important, often guided by soil tests. Nutrients usually include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and irrigation is common in dry periods.

Pests and diseases include bollworms, aphids, whiteflies, nematodes, and diseases such as bacterial blight and fungal rots. Integrated pest management and resistant varieties, including Bt cotton in some regions, are common components of control.

Harvesting and processing: mature bolls are harvested by picking or stripping, depending on region. After harvest, lint is separated from seeds in a gin. Fiber quality depends on boll opening, weather, and careful handling.

Economics and sustainability: cotton yields and profitability vary with climate, inputs, and market prices. Sustainable practices include water-efficient irrigation, soil management, integrated pest management, and reducing chemical inputs. Cottonseed is a byproduct used for oil and meal.