Cotton Agronomy and Production

In Ethiopia, there is immense potential for the cultivation of cotton, considering its suitable agro-ecological zones and the presence of water. However, there is a significant disparity between the potential and the actual production when it comes to Ethiopia's share of global production. Limited availability of research and extension services, insufficient supply of inputs, inability to produce high-quality products, and inadequate infrastructure and finance are some of the factors contributing to this gap. The following comprehensive agronomic management recommendations are proposed to achieve at least the optimal yield of the typical output: on average, it takes 20–50 heat units (degree-days) from cotton planting to 60% boll opening. Cotton thrives in deep arable soils with good drainage, organic matter, and high moisture-retention capacity. Among the different cotton varieties, G. hirsutum is the suitable and predominant species, accounting for approximately 90% of global production alone. Seed selection is a prerequisite for cotton cultivation. After selecting the seeds, purity should be above 95% and germination should be above 85%. Seed rate and plant spacing vary depending on the cotton species. Cotton is planted at a depth of 1.5−2 cm in humid conditions and 3−4 cm in dry conditions. At the field level, specific crop management practices need to be followed from sowing to emergence, including management during the seedling stage, flower and bud formation stage, flowering stage, and boll opening stage.