Premature aging in cotton plants is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including improper agricultural practices, environmental conditions, and management decisions. Understanding the causes and implementing effective preventive measures are essential to maintain healthy and productive cotton crops.
One major cause of premature aging is nutritional imbalance. Due to the large-scale cultivation of cotton and limited use of organic fertilizers, many fields rely heavily on chemical fertilizers. This leads to soil depletion and nutrient imbalances, weakening the plants' resilience and causing early decline. To address this, farmers should prioritize the use of organic manure before planting and supplement with balanced chemical fertilizers during the growing season. It's important to apply phosphorus and potassium alongside nitrogen, avoiding excessive nitrogen alone. Foliar sprays, such as 1% urea or 0.3%-0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, can also be used in the later stages to support plant health and prevent early aging.
Another contributing factor is the farming system. In areas where cotton has high economic returns, the expansion of planting areas often leads to poor crop rotation and continuous cropping. This results in an accumulation of harmful bacteria in the soil, which accelerates the aging process. To mitigate this, deep plowing combined with soil treatment can improve soil structure, reduce pathogen buildup, and promote healthier growth. Crop rotation every 3-4 years is ideal, but when that’s not possible, soil enhancement techniques can help restore fertility.
Natural factors also play a role. Low-lying fields that are poorly drained are prone to waterlogging, especially after heavy rains. This causes the soil to become compacted and hard, limiting root development and nutrient absorption. As a result, the plants struggle to breathe and take up nutrients, leading to early aging. Proper drainage systems and timely tilling after rain can help prevent these issues and support better root function.
Lastly, overloading the plant with too many bolls can lead to premature aging. During the middle and late growth stages, cotton plants require more water and nutrients. If they are forced to produce too many flowers and bolls, their physiological load becomes too heavy, disrupting the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth. Farmers should set reasonable yield targets and manage the plant's load through timely pruning and chemical control. Removing the top and side shoots helps redirect nutrients toward the main stem, promoting stronger, more resilient growth and preventing early aging.
By addressing these factors through proper nutrition, crop rotation, drainage, and load management, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of premature aging and ensure better yields and plant health.
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