What area of cotton management are you trying to improve on, e.g. moisture, nutritional, quality, growth, etc
Are you looking for a system relating to a standard or verification system, or just general? BMPs are used a lot in Australia, for example, and the FAO has done work with Integrated Pest and Production management in cotton. In terms of verification systems, there is the Better Cotton Initiative globally, and Cotton Made in Africa, one based on IPM and the other on GAP. Let me know and I can reccomend some reading.
In fact I see you are already in Better Cotton. So presumably you are looking for techniques?
Let me clear you more that i needs best methods from land preparation to picking....
Kindly make clear, you needed BMP for farm oriented or research oriented? you mean to get the targeted yields what the BMP? You can get, but practices varies depending on location, soil type & weather conditions.
Amjad sounds interested in getting into cotton production, but wishes to do no harm in the process. Amaregouda seems to have responded that there is very high risk in attempting to achieve reasonably profitable production, while achieving minimizing all negative environmental impacts. Kind of like the chicken or the egg....which came first?
I hold a M.S. in Agribusiness from Arizona State University. There, I learned early on that to engage in agriculture, it is most wise to secure your market, including the quality specifications of the harvested portion. So, let's say you have already established your buyers.....and you know what they will pay, without much exception.
I would next suggest planning upon soil building practices such as cover crops and green manure cropping. With this in mind, this would be followed with soil testing to determine which nutrients, if any, are lacking.....and if soils are sufficiently fertile, deep, non-saline, etc. But first, download a simple guideline for "Soil Sampling Methods". Seek multiple interpretations from qualified, independent professionals on the field's fertility..
Now you are able to determine your crop budget, and seek a loan for production. If "all the stars aligned" nicely (willing buyers, good soils, favorable climate) your first objective is to earn a profit. Next, you must be certain your seed is appropriate for your conditions. This will take more research. Is the seed you plan to plant already successful in your area? Finally, the first BMP I would then consider, even though I know nothing of your growing conditions, would be to invest, a small part of the land at one time, in surface drip irrigation. The right tubing, and filtration, and pressurization, however it can be achieved, is the best BMP for several reasons which I won't expand upon here. We apply 5 feet (1,520 mm) of water to our fields, which is an irrigation efficiency of 75%, but our reference evapotranspiration is about 81 inches each year.
The drip tubing must be secured. Apply spray paint to mark it as yours, if necessary, or hire a watchman. You roll it up and secure in a safe place after each irrigation and before harvest.
Good luck ! Better yet, may divine grace be yours.
After following the comments since my last comment; there are volumes written on BMP with relation to increasing cotton production, all areas related to each other. So, is it all areas of production or a specific area of cotton production. I have been involved in cotton production Australia for many years.
I think all areas will be difficult for me to cover becuase the project is for three years, so these may be specified....,,,,,,
So what are the specific areas? and how are you going to integrate them or prioritise them over 3 years
Thanks David, Here in Pakistan now a days the attack of white fly, thrips, mites, etc is severe..., Further more i will send u more....,
Amjad, thanks for the reply and clarfication on the BMP issues.I have included a web address for you to look at which will highlight what is current in our system. Seeing as these insects that you mentioned are your prime concern, then your control measures should be a bit cautious as you can easily inflame these pests by wiping out their natural predators with harsh insecticides. There are are softer chemical options available and should only be applied after careful inspection of the natural predator levels. This will also address your concerns about the aspects you mentioned.
http://www.cottoncrc.org.au/industry/Publications/Cotton_Pest_Management_Guide_2011_12
Thanks David for providing such a informative material, thanks alot... but your further guidance will be welcomed...
Hi Amjad. Let me know how you get on with this or if you require any advice on the nutrition side of things.
One regional pest management focused suggestion is Univ California IPM Guidelines. Look at Year Round IPM program www.ipm.ucdavis.edu under Ag and cotton
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agricultural Science