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Cotton Growing Guide

Recommended types:

Starter Fertilization

Top dressing

1 Introduction

  • Worldwide Production: Over 25 million tons per year, with the USA, China, India and Pakistan as the main producing countries.
  • Greece:
    • Greece is the only country in the European Union with significant cotton production.
      • About 2.5 million acres
    • are cultivated mainly in Thessaly, Central Greece , Macedonia and Thrace.
    • 80-90% of production is exported, boosting the national economy.
  1. Transportation:
  • Textiles (clothes, fabrics, bags).
  • Production of cotton paper and pharmaceutical materials.
  1. Trace elements:
  • Olive oil production (cottonseed oil) for food, soaps and cosmetics.
    • Cotton pie
  • feed, rich in protein.
  1. Trace elements:
  • Production of bioenergy from residues (strains, capsules).
  • Biodegradable products and fertilizers.
  • Sunshine: Requires 10–12 hours of sunshine daily for maximum photosynthetic activity.
  • Moisture:
    • Cotton can withstand dry conditions, but needs adequate moisture during germination and flowering.
    • Too much moisture can cause illness.

2. Botanical Characteristics and Physiology

  • Deep and piling with side branches.
  • It reaches a depth of 1-1.5 m, ensuring drought resistance.
  • It grows secondary roots to absorb nutrients from the topsoil.
  • Main shoot: Erect and woody, 60–150 cm high.
  • Lateral branches with developed nodes where flowers are formed.
  • Fruiting organs (capsules) are produced at the nodes.
  • Large, palm-shaped with 3–5 lobes.
  • High chlorophyll content for optimal photosynthetic ability.
  • Dense foliage that helps retain moisture and protects the soil from erosion.
  • Hermaphrodite flowers, white or yellowish at first, turning pink or red after fertilization.
  • Self-fertilizing, with a fertilization rate of more than 95%.
    • Flower
  • formation begins 35–50 days after sowing.
Oval
  • capsules containing 3–5 spaces (cells) with 6–8 seeds each.
  • The seeds are covered with fibres 20–40 mm long.
  • The ripening of the capsules lasts 45–60 days after flowering.
Root and leaf
  • growth.
  • Critical phase for phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) nutrition.
  • Sensitive to low temperatures and soil moisture.
  • Rapid leaf growth and lateral shoots.
  • Creation of nodes for flowering.
  • Requires nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) to enhance germination.
  • Start flowering and formation of the first capsules.
  • Maximum sensitivity to water and nutrient deficiencies.
  • Significant potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) fortification.
  • Capsules grow and begin to fill with fibers.
  • Increased water and potassium needs to improve fiber quality.
  • Reduction of nitrogen to avoid excessive vegetation.
  • The fibers reach the final length and weight.
  • The capsules open and the fibres are ready for harvest.
    • Irrigation
  • restriction for uniform drying of the capsules.
  • Cotton is a type C3 plant with moderate photosynthetic ability.
  • A high intensity of sunlight is needed for maximum energy production.
    • Adequacy of nitrogen and magnesium
  • is required to support photosynthesis.
  • Temperature: Sensitivity to low temperatures during germination and flowering.
  • Water: Low resistance to drought during flowering and capsule formation.
  • Cotton is highly responsive to balanced lubrication.
  • Nitrogen enhances germination, while potassium improves fiber quality.
  • The lack of microelements (Zn, B) causes abnormalities in flower growth.

3. Soil Preparation and Seeding

Cotton prefers soils with:

  • Good drainage: Does not withstand flooded soil.
  • Deep profile: For the development of an extensive root system.
  • Medium composition: Ideally sandy-rocky or clayey-rocky soils.
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  • Βέλτιστο pH: 6,0–7,5.
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Techniques:

  • In acidic soils (pH <6.0) lime needs to be added.
  • In alkaline soils (pH >7.5) the use of organic improvers is recommended.

Soil preparation should aim to:

    1. The decomposition of compressed layers for better penetration of the roots.
    2. To create a uniform surface for sowing.
    3. The integration of fertilizers and soil improvers.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Macroelements:
  • Deep ploughing at 25–30 cm in autumn to improve ventilation.
  1. Trace elements:
  • In spring for splitting pellets and leveling.
  1. Trace elements:
  • Addition of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) before sowing.
    1. Trace elements:

Surface

  • preparation for even seeding and irrigation.
  • Optimal Soil Temperature: 15-18°C (constant at a depth of 5–10 cm).
  • Time Period:
    • Southern Greece: Late March – Early April.
    • Northern Greece: Mesa – Late April.
  • 3–5 cm, depending on soil moisture.
  • In loamy soils: Less depth is preferred.
  • In sandy soils: A greater depth is preferred for moisture retention.

The selection of the appropriate variety depends on:

  1. Macroelements:
  • Shortfin (25–28 mm): High yields, suitable for general use.
  • Macroins (30–35 mm): Quality for special markets (e.g. high value fabrics).
  1. Trace elements:
  • Hybrids resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium.
  1. Trace elements:
  • Early varieties for areas with a short growing season.

4. Lubrication and Nutrition

The nourishment of the cotton must cover:

Growth
  • requirements: Strong root system, healthy shoots and leaves.
    • Flower and capsule
  • formation: Adequate flowering and good filling of the fruits.
    • Fibre
  • quality: Improve length, strength and uniformity of fibres.
    • Disease and stress
  • resistance: Reduction of susceptibility to abiotic and biotic agents.
  1. Radical System and Nutrient Intake:
  • The deep root system allows nutrient uptake from the lower soil layers.
  • However, it requires high amounts of phosphorus (P) for early growth and potassium (K) for fibre formation.
  1. Potassium (K):
  • Cotton has high potassium needs for maintaining fiber quality and resistance to drought and disease.
  1. Trace elements:
  • 60-70% of nitrogen (N) is absorbed during flowering and capsule growth.
  • Trace elements (Zn, B) are mainly required in the stages of fertilization and fibre formation.
  1. Reaction to Microelement Lubrication:
  • Cotton exhibits a high response to administration of microelements such as boron (B) and zinc (Zn), especially in light or sandy soils.
DevelopmentRootFlower and fruit Capsule

Stage

Main Nutrition Needs

Essential Nutrients

Sprouting and Shoot Growth

, leaf and node formation.

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Zinc (Zn)

Flowering and Fertilization

formation.

Potassium (K), Boron (B), Nitrogen (N)

Formation and Development of Capsules

development, fibre filling and sugar transport.

Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Nitrogen (N)

Capsular Maturation and Opening

Drying, fiber fixation and quality improvement.

Potassium (K), Sulfur (S)

  • Cotton absorbs 60–70% of the total nitrogen (N) between the flowering stage and capsule formation.
  • 90% of phosphorus (P) is absorbed in the first 50–60 days of growth.
  • 80% of potassium (K) is required after flowering, supporting fibre growth.
  • Excess Nitrogen (N):
    • Excess vegetation and delayed ripening.
    • Decreased fiber quality and increased susceptibility to disease.
    • Potassium
  • Deficiency (K):
    • Low plant strength and poor fiber quality.
    • Phosphorus (P)
  • deficiency:
    • Slow root development and reduced flower production.
    • Boron
  • Deficiency (B): Flower
    • deformities and abnormal capsule growth.
Cotton

is characterized by high requirements in macroelements (N, P, K) and sensitivity to microelement deficiencies (Zn, B, Mg, S).

Role of Nitrogen in Cotton:

  • Enhances vegetative growth and photosynthesis.
  • Helps create shoots and flowers during the flowering phase.
  • Contributes to protein synthesis and fibre growth.
  • Promotes the production of chlorophyll for maximum energy efficiency.
    • Nitrogen (N)

requirements:

Development Application Leaf Nitrogen Imbalance

Stage

Dose (kg/acre)

Objective

Basic Application (Before Seeding)

5–6

Radical growth and initiation of vegetative growth.

First Surface (30–40 days)

4–5

promotion and node development before flowering.

Second Surface (60–70 days)

3–4

Support flowering and early capsule formation.

Third Surface (80–90 days)

2–3

Improve capsule filling and maturation.

Problems:

  • Deficiency (N):
    • Reduction of leaf and root growth.
    • Pigmented leaves and small, empty capsules.
  • Surplus (N):
    • Excess vegetation and ripening delay.
    • Decreased fiber quality and increased risk of disease (e.g., Verticillium).

Role of Phosphorus in Cotton:

  • It promotes the development of the root system in the early stages of development.
  • It contributes to the creation of flowers and fertilization.
  • Enhances energy transfer through ATP for metabolic processes.
  • Supports early ripening of capsules.
    • Phosphorus (P)

Requirements:

Development Application Phosphorus Imbalance

Stage

Dose (kg/acre)

Objective

Basic Lubrication (Before Seeding)

3–5

Radical growth and cultivation facility.

Surface (30–50 days)

1–2

Support flowering and flower and fruit formation.

Problems:

  • Deficiency (P):
    • Delay in root development and flower formation.
    • Smaller leaves and reduced photosynthesis.
  • Surplus (P):
    • Competition with trace elements (e.g. Zn), reducing their absorption.

Role of Potassium in Cotton:

  • Improves fiber quality (strength, length, uniformity).
  • Boosts resilience to stress (drought, disease).
  • Regulates the transfer of sugars from the leaves to the capsules.
  • Protects against cracking and rotting of the wrists.
    • Potassium (K)

requirements:

Development Application Capsule Potassium Imbalance

Stage

Dose (kg/acre)

Objective

Basic Lubrication (Before Seeding)

8–10

Radical growth and early shoot enhancement.

First Surface (50–60 days)

5–6

formation and development, flowering support.

Second Surface (80–100 days)

3–4

Filling fibers and improving quality.

Problems:

  • Lack (K):
    • Poor fiber quality (short length, low strength).
    • Decreased production and increased susceptibility to disease.
  • Surplus (K):
    • Limited absorption of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).

Magnesium (Mg):

  • Role: Involved in chlorophyll synthesis and sugar transport.
  • Ellipse: Yellowing of old leaves (interleaf chlorosis).
  • Dose: 1–2 kg Mg/ha as magnesium sulfate.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum):

  • Role: Protein synthesis and strength enhancement.
  • Lack: Chlorination of young leaves and decrease in productivity.

Dose: 1–2 kg S/acre as ammonium sulfate.

Target:

  • Promote strong root system and initial growth.
    • Phosphorus and potassium
  • supply for the early stages of development.

Nutrient

Dose (kg/acre)

Method of Application

Nitrogen (N)

5–6

Incorporation into soil before sowing.

Phosphorus (P₂O)

3–5

Apply 5–7 cm below the seeding line.

Potassium (K₂O)

8–10

Integration with ploughing for better diffusion.

Magnesium (Mg)

1–2

Addition to deficit soils.

Sulphur (S)

1–2

Combination with sulphate fertilizers (potassium sulphate).

Note: In acidic soils, it is recommended to add calcium (Ca) to improve soil pH and structure.

Target:

  • Enhance leaf growth, node formation and flowering.
  • Support the first capsules and reduce stress from drought.
    • Development

Stage

Nitrogen (N)

Potassium (K₂O)

Special Applications

20–30 days (4–6 sheets)

4–5 kg

3–4 kg

Zinc (Zn): 150–200 g/ha, foliar application.

40–50 days (before flowering)

4–5 kg

3–4 kg

Boron (B): 100–150 g/acre, for flowering enhancement.

60–70 days (capsule formation)

3–4 kg

4–5 kg

Sulfur (S): 100–150 g/acre, for fibre quality.

Special Recommendations:

  • Nitrogen (N) should be applied in 2–3 doses for gradual growth support.
  • Potassium (K) should be available from the flowering phase onwards for fiber improvement.
  • Foliar applications of microelements (Zn, B) enhance fertilization and reduce the fall of flowers.

Target:

  • Support capsule filling and improve fiber quality.
  • Stabilization of the plant and reduction of susceptibility to diseases.
    • Development

Stage

Nitrogen (N)

Potassium (K₂O)

Special Applications

80–90 days (capsule fillings)

2–3 kg

3–4 kg

Magnesium (Mg): 200–300 g/acre, to enhance photosynthesis.

100–120 days (capsule maturation)

1–2 kg

2–3 kg

Sulfur (S): 100–150 g/acre for quality and stability.

Note:

  • At this stage, nitrogen applications are limited to avoid ripening delay.
  • Potassium must remain high to maintain fiber quality.

1. Zinc (Zn):

    • Role: Rooting improvement, flower strengthening.
    • Dose: 150-200 g/acre during leaf growth.

2. Boron (B):

    • Role: Enhancing fertilization and capsule formation.
    • Dose: 100-150 g/acre before flowering.

2. Magnesium (Mg)

    • Role: Photosynthesis and transport of sugars in fibers.
    • Dose: 200-300 g/acre in the capsule-filling phase.

2. Sulphur (S)

    • Role: Protein synthesis and strength improvement.
    • Dose: 100-150 g/ha at critical growth stages.

Microelements play a key role in cotton nutrition, as they affect fertility, flower growth, capsule formation and fiber quality. Although they are required in small quantities, their deficiencies can cause significant losses in performance and quality.

Foliar nutrition is an effective method of providing trace elements, as it allows their immediate absorption by the leaves, especially in times of intense stress or low availability in the soil.

1. Zinc (Zn):

    • Role:
      • Regulates the synthesis of enzymes and auxins for the growth of roots and shoots.
      • It contributes to the creation of flowers and the production of seeds.
      • Enhances chlorophyll synthesis and absorption of other elements.

Deficiency

  • Symptoms:
    • Yellowing of the leaves (interleaf chlorosis).
    • Growth retardation and flower reduction.
  • Dose and Application:
    • Foliar application: 150–200 g/acre during leaf growth.
    • Basic application: 0.5-1 kg Zn/acre in the form of zinc sulfate or chelates.

2. Boron (B):

    • Role:
      • Necessary for fertilization, capsule formation and fibre growth.
      • It regulates sugar transport and cell wall growth.

Deficiency

  • Symptoms: Flower
    • deformities and dropping.
    • Poor capsule growth and low fiber quality.
  • Dose and Application:
    • Foliar application: 100–150 g B/acre just before flowering.
    • Basic application: 0.2-0.3 kg B/acre in deficit soils.

2. Magnesium (Mg)

  • Role:
    • Main element of chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
    • Supports the transport of sugars in fibers and the formation of high-quality fibers.
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Yellowing between nerves in older leaves.
    • Reduced capsule growth and leaf drop.
  • Dose and Application:
    • Foliar application: 200–300 g Mg/acre in the form of magnesium sulfate.
    • Dose: 1–2 kg/acre with chelations.

2. Sulphur (S)

    • Role:
      • Synthesis of proteins and enzymes for capsule and fiber growth.
      • Enhancing resistance to disease and environmental stress.

 

  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    Chlorosis of younger leaves.Symptoms of Deficiency:
    Chlorosis of younger leaves.

     

    Reduced stress tolerance and degradation of fiber quality.
  • Dose and Application:
    • Foliar application: 100–150 g S/acre during flowering.
    • Dose: 1–2 kg/acre with chelations.

Advantages of Interleaf Nourishment:

  1. Immediate Correction of Deficiencies:
  • Effective when absorption by soil is impaired due to pH or drought.
  1. Trace elements:
  • Support of plants during flowering, fertilization and filling of capsules.
  1. Trace elements:
    • Improvement of fibre composition and reduction of production losses.

Application

Steps:

Development

StemFlowering and flowering

Stage

Microelements and Doses

Target

20–30 days (folate growth)

Zn: 150–200 g/ha., Mg: 200–300 g/ha.

growth and enhancement of photosynthesis.

40–50 days (flowering)

B: 100–150 g/ha., Zn: 150–200 g/ha., S: 100–150 g/ha.

support.

60–70 days (capsule formation)

K: 3–4 kg/ha., Mg: 200–300 g/ha., S: 100–150 g/ha.

Enhance capsule filling and improve fiber quality.

5. Irrigation and Water Management

  • Cotton requires 600–800 mm/growing season (6,000-8,000 m³/ha).
    • Water
  • consumption per development stage:
    • Development
Water Drought Leaf Capsule

Stage

Requirements (mm/day)

sensitivity

Vegetation (0–20 days)

2–3

Moderate – necessary moisture for roots.

growth (20–40 days)

4–5

High – vegetation support.

Flowering (40–60 days)

6–7

Very high – critical stage of production.

Formation and Filling

7–8

Very high – quality requirements.

Maturation (80–100 days)

3–4

Low – gradual reduction for drying.

  • Critical Stages:
    • Flowering and capsule formation are the most sensitive stages to water shortage.
  • Consequences of Drought:
    • Fall of flowers and capsules.
    • Poor fiber quality and reduced yields.
  • Suggested Management:
    • Frequent and minor irrigations during the flowering phase.

Fertilization combines irrigation with nutrition, offering:

  • Targeted nutrient delivery to the roots.
  • Increase fertilizer efficiency through optimal diffusion.
    • Cost
  • reduction through targeted fertilizer applications.

Techniques:

  • Nitrogen (N): Gradual application in small doses during flowering and filling of the capsules.
  • Potassium (K): Reinforcement at critical stages for capsule growth and fiber quality.
  • Microelements (Zn, B): Addition by fertigation or foliar application for immediate absorption.

7. Harvesting and Storage

  • Optimal Harvest Stage:
    • When 60–70% of the capsules have been opened.
    • Ensures high fiber quality and minimizes losses.
    • Maturation
  • Indicator:
    • The leaves begin to yellow and fall naturally.
    • The fibers acquire full growth and elasticity.
  • Risks of Delay: Production
    • losses due to weather conditions (rains, winds).
    • Degradation of the quality of fibers from contamination (soil, leaves).

Defoliation is applied before mechanical harvesting to remove the leaves.

Water

Lubrication Advantages:

  • It facilitates harvesting and reduces pollution (leaves, soil).
  • Improves fiber quality and cleaning machine performance.
  • It helps in the uniform maturation of the parcel. ( morning )

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