Cotton Information

Cotton is primarily grown in dry tropical and subtropical climates at temperatures between 11°C and 25°C. It is a warm climate crop threatened by heath or freezing temperatures (below 5°C or above 25°C), although its resistance varies from species to species. Excessive exposure to dryness or moisture at certain stages of the plant development (lasting 5 to 7 months) may be detrimental to cotton quality and yields, and might also kill the plant.
The seeds should be planted in well-prepared moist soil with high nutrient supplying capacity. Indeed, the cotton plant is particularly weak and its moisture and nutrient uptake is remarkable. Cotton production tends to exhaust the soil, which may require some soil management practices typically by means of physical adjustments, fertilization, and crop rotation (notably with a culture of leguminous plant and one of cereal). Moreover, the root system of the cotton plant is particularly developed and penetrates downward deeply (its depth can sometimes double the height of the surface stem). Accordingly, cotton should be planted in rich seedbeds that are muddy or argillaceous-sandy, where the taproot would grow downward deeply and develop under favorable conditions. Seedling emergence can occur between one week and a month after planting. During this phase (germination, emergence and seedling growth), the plant needs warm temperature and much moisture (7,000 to 9,000 m3 by hectare), which can be supplied by nature or by means of irrigation. Cotton leaves are about 12-15 cm in length and width. They develop along the main stem in a spiral arrangement. Each new leaf commonly develops 5 to 8 cm above the preceding leaf.
Flowering generally starts one month and a half to two months after the crop is planted. Blooming will continue regularly for several weeks, even months, as long as growing conditions are suitable. After flowering, the inner part of the bloom gradually develops into a fruit (called "cotton boll"). Cotton bolls keep growing until full size (approximately 2 to 3 cm width). It will take about two months between the blooming of the flower and the first opening of the bolls.

Introducing of Sugarcane Ring Pit Method

The method was adopted from Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research Lucknow, for enhancing the productivity and quality of Sugarcane.

Through ring pit method of planting, localized application of fertilizers is done in pits. Therefore it is considered that applied nutrient are used more efficiently as these are placed in the vicinity of roots which accommodate of greater number of mill able canes per unit area for yield maximization.