July Management Points for Cotton

July Management Points for Cotton

July is the most critical and fastest-growing month for cotton, marking the peak of both vegetative and reproductive growth. During this time, cotton fields typically enter the flowering stage, with 90% of the plant's vegetative and reproductive structures fully developed by late July. The root system also becomes well-established, reaching its maximum capacity for absorbing water and nutrients. However, July is also a period of extreme weather, frequent disasters, and severe pest and disease outbreaks. As such, effective management during this month is crucial for ensuring high yields and healthy crops. (a) Soil Cultivation: Proper soil cultivation is essential in July to improve drainage and irrigation, prevent drought or flooding, and enhance air circulation in the lower parts of the field. This helps reduce humidity, increase day-night temperature differences, and improve the overall microclimate. It also helps prevent diseases like boll rot and lodging while promoting strong root development. After the soil is loosened, it should be cultivated to ensure good aeration. In low-lying areas, proper drainage systems must be maintained. (b) Pruning and Topping: The goal of pruning is to regulate nutrient distribution, improve plant structure, and maximize the use of available resources like water, fertilizer, light, and heat. Careful selection of leaf shoots is important—leaving 1–2 strong ones per plant can increase boll production, especially in thin or weak areas. Excessive leaf branches should be removed, and any small buds that are not developing should be cut off early. In fields with too many bolls, removing some flowers can help conserve energy for better fruit development. In certain regions, such as Yunnan, farmers often leave 13–14 bolls per plant and focus on protecting the autumn bolls. (c) Pest and Disease Control: Many northern regions have experienced droughts, leading to delayed or inadequate chemical control. Due to high temperatures in May and June, some cotton plants showed signs of imbalance, with excessive vegetative growth and weak root systems. To address this, timely and proper application of growth regulators is necessary. Farmers should follow the principle of "seeing the seedlings" rather than waiting for problems to arise. Usually, 2–3 rounds of chemical control are needed in July, using appropriate dosages and targeting the upper and middle fruit branches. (d) Fertilization: Fertilization is one of the most complex aspects of cotton management. Over-fertilizing can lead to poor results, and imbalanced nutrition may harm the plant. A balanced approach is key. Base fertilizers should be applied properly, and top-dressing should be done at the right time—typically during peak flowering. Urea application should be adjusted based on soil fertility and plant condition. If potassium is lacking, it should be added promptly. Foliar sprays are an efficient method, especially for nitrogen and potassium, which are more beneficial than phosphorus in most cases. Spraying at the right concentration and timing ensures optimal absorption and avoids damage to the plants. In summary, July is a decisive month for cotton, requiring careful attention to soil, pruning, pest control, and fertilization. Proper management during this period can significantly impact yield and quality.

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