A profitable cotton season starts with strong germination and deep early taproot establishment. Because cotton seedlings are delicate in their initial 20 to 25 days, attentive field preparation and proper sowing geometry make a measurable difference in boll retention later in the summer.
1. Sowing Window and Soil Temperature
The primary Kharif sowing window for cotton in Punjab runs from April through May. Sowing into warm soil ensures rapid emergence within 4 to 6 days, preventing seed rot caused by cool or crusty soil surfaces.
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2. Ridge and Bed Planting for Water Economy
Planting on raised beds or ridges (2.5 to 3 feet apart) provides superior aeration and prevents waterlogging around young root collars. Ridge sowing also facilitates easy first irrigation without creating crusting on top of the emerging seed.
3. Seedbed Preparation and Moisture Level
Prepare a deeply tilled, level seedbed that retains uniform moisture (rauni). Avoid dropping cotton seed deeper than 1 to 1.5 inches; deeper sowing delays emergence and depletes the cotyledons before they break through the topsoil.
Key Takeaways
- Target Window: April to May for optimal soil temperature and emergence speed.
- Sowing Depth: Keep planting depth strictly between 1.0 to 1.5 inches.
- Bed Planting: Raised ridges protect young seedlings from excessive moisture stress.
- Early Thinning: Thin seedlings to one healthy plant per hill within 20 to 25 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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