Cotton is a thermophilic crop that requires higher temperatures for successful germination and emergence. Sowing too early, combined with low temperatures, extended emergence periods, high nutrient consumption, weak seedling vitality, and increased susceptibility to diseases, often leads to the phenomenon of "early but not full" or "early but not strong." On the other hand, sowing too late may result in rapid emergence ("fast Qi"), but it prevents cotton from fully utilizing the growing season, leading to late maturity, poor quality, and lower yield.
The optimal planting time should ensure healthy and uniform seedlings while maintaining strong growth potential. Insect-resistant cotton varieties, in particular, have seeds with lower fat content, an imbalanced ratio of protein and fat, and reduced total nutrients. This makes them less capable of supplying sufficient energy for germination and early seedling development, resulting in slower emergence and weaker seedling vigor. Therefore, insect-resistant cotton should generally not be planted too early. It's essential to follow the principle of "proper timing."
In general good cotton fields, planting can begin when the 5 cm soil temperature remains stable at 14°C to 15°C for five consecutive days, with adequate moisture and suitable humidity, and without a major cold spell expected soon. On sunny days, this is an ideal time for sowing. In normal years, medium-maturing and insect-resistant cotton varieties are best planted around the time of Gu Yu (April 15th to 25th), using mulch. For open cotton, sowing should be slightly delayed, ideally between April 20th and 30th. In saline-alkali soils, it's recommended to wait until the 5 cm ground temperature stabilizes at 16°C and to sow after rainy weather, preferably before May 1st.
Within the appropriate sowing window, it's important to minimize the sowing period to ensure that cotton is planted during the most favorable time, which helps achieve a complete and vigorous stand. By following these guidelines, farmers can maximize the chances of healthy seedling establishment and better overall crop performance.
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