The crop should be kept weed free up to 60 days after
seeding.
Two to three blade harrowings can minimize the
weed problem. Alachlor @ 1.5-2.0kg a.i ha-1 as pre-emergence
application, benthiocarb as pre-emergence application @ 1.5kg a.i ha-1,
fluchloralin @ 1.25 to 1.50kg a.i ha-1 as pre-emergence application
or pendimethalin as pre-emergence application @ 1.5 to 2.0kg a.i ha-1
can effectively control the weeds.
Water Management
Cotton cannot tolerate water logging condition and prolonged
drought spells leading to soil moisture stress.
Adequate drainage provision is a must, especially for
vertisols during periods of continuous rains (September).
After monsoon rains, the soils should be frequently harrowed
to prevent deep cracking and loss of soil moisture from sub-soil.
In the case of irrigated cotton, earthing up should be
done with blade harrows after fertilizer application to provide adequate
drainage and to facilitate water application.
Irrigation intervals depend on soil type and distribution
of rainfall.
Care should be taken to maintain adequate soil moisture
soon after fertiliser application, blooming and boll formation stages.
In all, about 3 irrigations may be optimum for vertisols and five for
alfisols during kharif.
Cropping systems
Mono cropping leads to problem of nutrient depletion
in root zone besides pest and disease buil up.
Cotton - soybean - groundnut system has been found more
remunerative than cotton monocropping. Cotton – groundnut intercropping
in 1:2 ratio is more profitable than sole crop of cotton.
