Detailed explanation of key points of cotton sowing technology, teaching you to grow cotton well

Cotton is still the main crop in agricultural production in northern Yuyao, and the cotton sowing area in 2007 is expected to be 25,000-30,000 mu. In recent years, cotton yield has risen steadily and economic benefits have continued to improve. In 2006, the city's actually harvested cotton area was 26,000 mu, with an average seed cotton yield of 193 kg (equivalent to a lint cotton yield of 76.5 kg per mu), an output value of 1,150 yuan per mu, and after deducting agricultural production costs, income reached about 1,000 yuan per mu. In particular, after the promotion of insect-resistant hybrid cotton, the cost of pesticides used in cotton fields has continued to decline, and environmental pollution in farmland has also been reduced. Agricultural production in the cotton region has begun to embark on a new path of ecological-benefit agriculture. Cotton sowing in 2007 is about to begin. In order to strive for full emergence after one sowing and promote strong seedlings and early development, the main technical points are:

1. Pre-sowing preparation must be sufficient. Before sowing, the main focus is on improving cotton field soil, selecting good seeds, and preparing agricultural materials. First, clear weeds from the cotton field, plow the soil, apply organic fertilizer, then level the bed surface and clear the ditches, so that the cotton field meets the requirements of clean weeds, fine soil, and connected ditches. If selecting insect-resistant cotton varieties as good cotton seeds, prepare 400-600 grams per mu; if selecting conventional cotton varieties, carefully select plump and full cotton seeds and prepare 2.5-3.5 kg per mu. Before sowing, seize sunny days to turn and sun the seeds repeatedly and treat the seeds with chemicals. Agricultural materials should include sufficient fertilizer, ultra-thin film, and herbicides.

2. Sow at the appropriate time without missing the season. Cottonseed germination and emergence require an effective accumulated temperature above 12°C of more than 60 degrees. According to this temperature requirement, cotton sowing should not be too early. If sown too early, because the temperature is insufficient, the emergence time is prolonged, causing rotten seeds, rotten sprouts, and uneven emergence; if sown too late, although emergence is complete and uniform, early and strong seedlings cannot be cultivated, affecting the cotton growth process. According to the climate characteristics of our city, the best period for cotton sowing is from April 15 to 25. During this period, seize sunny days and dry soil and sow in fields with suitable moisture. When sowing, first sow plastic-film cotton fields, then sow open-field direct-seeded cotton fields, and strive to achieve April seedlings.

3. Do a good job in sowing quality and strive for full emergence after one sowing. First, sow with fertilizer and apply it into the sowing furrow. Use 7.5 kg of ammonium bicarbonate, 10 kg of phosphate fertilizer, and 7.5 kg of potassium fertilizer per mu, or 20 kg of 10% ternary compound fertilizer as seed base fertilizer; the sowing furrow should be shallow with a rough bottom, and after the seeds fall, cover with thin soil, spray herbicide well, and cover with plastic film to preserve heat. If using insect-resistant hybrid cotton varieties, the density per mu is 1,500-800 holes, with 1 seed of cotton sown per hole, sowing should be shallow, covering soil should be thin, and reserve seedlings should be raised at the field edge and bed corners for filling gaps.

4. After sowing, do a good job in management to preserve full seedlings and promote early development. Cotton is a dicotyledonous plant. Emergence relies on the extension of the hypocotyl to push the cotyledons out of the soil surface. Also, because the 2 cotyledons are relatively large, cotton emergence and soil penetration are much more difficult than for other crops. Generally, 5-7 days after sowing, frequently check the emergence of cottonseed. When the cotyledons flatten and turn green, promptly release the seedlings from the film, and seal the film opening with soil to preserve heat and promote root development. If emergence is uneven, promptly fill gaps to ensure full seedlings.