The agriculture experts have advised the cotton growers to adopt special crop management measures during the monsoon season as moderate rainfall is beneficial for cotton growth, but the prolonged waterlogging can severely damage the crop, reduce nutrient uptake and adversely affect yield.
Cotton growers advised to ensure timely drainage during monsoon rains
FAISALABAD, Jul 10 (APP): The agriculture experts have advised the cotton growers to adopt special crop management measures during the monsoon season as moderate rainfall is beneficial for cotton growth, but the prolonged waterlogging can severely damage the crop, reduce nutrient uptake and adversely affect yield.
A spokesman for Agriculture (Extension) Department said that normal rainfall supports healthy vegetative growth and improves flowering and boll formation in cotton. However, excessive rainfall that leaves fields inundated for more than 24 hours can prove highly detrimental, as standing water forces essential nutrients deeper into the soil beyond the reach of plant roots, resulting in nutrient deficiency and significantly slowing the process of photosynthesis, he added.
He urged the farmers to ensure immediate drainage of rainwater from cotton fields. The growers should dig a deep drainage channel along the edges of their fields during periods of heavy rainfall so that excess water could be safely diverted out of the field, he added.
He said that the drained water could subsequently be channelled into larger watercourses for irrigation of paddy or sugarcane crops.
In the areas where complete drainage is not possible, the farmers should dig deep pits on both sides of the field to collect excess rainwater and minimize waterlogging around cotton plants, he added.
He further recommended that two to three days after rainfall, the farmers should consult local agricultural experts before spraying a 20 percent urea solution on the cotton crop.
Once the soil reaches suitable moisture conditions (Wattar), the growers should apply one bag of urea per acre to replenish nitrogen lost due to excessive rainfall and restore healthy crop growth, he added.
He also stressed the importance of planning irrigation in accordance with weather forecasts issued by the Meteorological Department.
He advised the farmers to avoid excessive watering during the monsoon season and instead apply light irrigation whenever required to maintain optimum soil moisture without causing water stagnation.
Timely water management, balanced fertilizer application and adherence to technical guidance from local agricultural extension staff would help protect cotton crops from monsoon-related losses and ensure better productivity during the current growing season, he added.
