What are the key field management points for cotton during the squaring stage
Cotton is one of the main textile crops in China and is widely used in various textile product industries. It is grown on a large area in China, and cotton goes through many different growth stages during cultivation. Different growth stages of cotton have different management priorities, and management work is especially important during the squaring stage. So below, the editor brings you the key field management points for cotton. Let's take a look!
1. Timely pruning
The branches and leaves of cotton are relatively luxuriant. During the squaring stage, if the branches and leaves are too luxuriant and grow excessively, they will consume too many nutrients. This causes the cotton field to become too closed, reduces air permeability, and affects cotton growth. So we must do a good job of pruning in time. Generally, when cotton begins to square, the branches, leaves and excess tiller buds below the node should be removed. But on cotton plants in missing-plant spots and similar situations, we should retain about 3 branches and leaves. Then, when about 6 leaf branches have grown, the terminal buds should be removed in time to promote flowering and fruiting and increase yield.
2. Reasonable fertilization
The fertilizer demand of cotton during the squaring stage is moderate, but attention should be paid to the nutrient ratio in the fertilizer. Do not apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer, because if nitrogen fertilizer is excessive, it can very easily cause excessive vegetative growth in cotton, consume too many nutrients, and lead to undesirable phenomena such as boll shedding. However, a certain amount of nitrogen fertilizer is also needed. If it is insufficient, cotton plants will not develop fully and yield will decline. Therefore, for cotton seedlings with sufficient fertility and strong growth, we should apply little or no nitrogen fertilizer. On the contrary, soil with poor fertility needs more nitrogen fertilizer. The fertilization time should be controlled during the full squaring stage, avoiding carrying out water and fertilizer work at the same time, which would reduce the fertilization effect.
3. Intertillage and weeding
Intertillage and weeding have a great relationship with cotton growth, yield and so on. Especially during the squaring stage, reasonable intertillage can promote the downward growth of the cotton plant's roots. This is beneficial for the absorption of nutrients and water by cotton and improves the growth capacity of cotton. Weeding is to prevent weeds from competing for the nutrients needed for cotton growth, concentrating the nutrients on the cotton plants. After each intertillage, attention should also be paid to earthing up to improve the soil's heat preservation capacity, avoid lodging of cotton plants, and prevent soil erosion. During the rainy season, intertillage should also be combined with drainage work to prevent waterlogging damage.
4. Pest and disease control
Pests and diseases can threaten various parts of the cotton plant such as branches, leaves and bolls, causing a sharp decline in cotton yield and seriously affecting cotton production. Therefore, during the squaring stage, we should apply pesticides reasonably during the control period according to the control standards. The main targets for pesticide application are mirids, Fusarium wilt and so on. Do the basic work well and strengthen management in all aspects. Observe the growth situation frequently, and when abnormalities are found, check them in time. Do not use pesticides blindly, so as to avoid pesticide damage caused by improper use.
The above is a brief introduction to the key field management points for cotton during the squaring stage. Field management of cotton at any growth stage is very important. Because it is directly related to yield and cotton quality, everyone must pay close attention to it. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can be helpful to everyone.