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NETAFIM Global
Increase cotton yield and lint quality with precision irrigation
What are the major concerns of every cotton grower? Yes, its yield and fibre quality! It is water management that largely impacts both these factors, which is why precision irrigation proves to be a modern and smart approach towards achieving the desired objectives when it comes to cotton cultivation in India.
The challenge for cotton cultivation
Maintaining moisture levels in the cotton field proves to be challenging. It could foster pest attacks and diseases. Hence, drip irrigation that maintains moisture levels is the best solution here. Besides, cotton farming in India, which is dependent on flood irrigation, could face challenges with flowering, ball development, and ball opening. These factors require balanced nutrition, a 95% germination rate, etc. and this is why cotton cultivation requires precision irrigation.
Why choose precision irrigation for cotton?
- Lower Humidity for Improved Lint Quality
Water is supplied to the cotton crop root and not to the canopy, as in the case of sprinkler irrigation systems. This keeps the humidity levels unaffected. This is significant when the first-floor bolls open. Lower the humidity conditions, better is the lint quality!
- Cultivating the Right Cotton Plant
The application of measured water dosage in precision irrigation helps to control and create flexibility to develop mild stress during specific growth periods. This helps cultivating an ideal plant with several bolls.
- More Yield in Less Water
In comparison to the conventional furrow, centre pivot irrigation and overhead sprinkler, drip irrigation can result in a 20% increment in the cotton yield per 1 cubic meter of water, despite diverse agro-ecological conditions and without affecting the lint quality.
- Accurate Application of Fungicides directly to the Root Zone
Fusarium wilt and Verticullum wilt are the major soil borne diseases affecting the cotton growth area. Precision fertigation, through the application of adequate amounts of fungicides, prevents these diseases.
- Managing EC and pH of Irrigation Water
Cotton plants tend to respond well to optimum EC and pH of irrigation water. The control of these factors helps increase the yield through precision irrigation.
Things we often get asked...
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What is the expected cotton yield with drip irrigation?
We have seen drip irrigation yield 2.2-2.6 tons/ha of lint in several locations around the world.
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How much water can I save when converting from furrow to drip irrigation?
When cotton is grown under furrow irrigation it requires 900mm of water per cycle, while if it is grown under drip irrigation it requires only 500mm per cycle
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Can drip irrigation systems be activated remotely?
Yes. Advanced digital tools allow you to activate and manage your irrigation and plant nutrition from the palm of your hand, wherever you are. In addition, the real-time insights from the field mean that you can optimize your irrigation practices, reduce labor, operational complexity and costs.
INTERESTED IN CONSISTENTLY BETTER COTTON YIELD AND FIBER QUALITY?
Let’s discuss how precision irrigation can help