Cotton: Roadmap
Tanjore (or Thanjavur) in South India has a tropical climate. The region receives its primary rainfall from the Northeast monsoon between October and December. Given the climatic conditions, here is an annual agronomy roadmap for growing cotton in one hectare in Tanjore:
1. January - March (Post-harvest & Soil Preparation):
Early January: Harvest the previous year's crop if it's still in the field.
Late January: Start soil tests to determine nutrient levels and pH.
February: Based on soil test results, apply necessary soil amendments.
Early March: Plow and prepare the land. Ensure proper leveling for uniform irrigation. Consider creating raised beds for better water management.
2. April (Planting):
Early April: Start seedbed preparation.
Mid-April: Sow cotton seeds. Use high-quality seeds suitable for the region.
Late April: Lightly irrigate after planting.
3. May - July (Growth & Maintenance):
May: Monitor for early pest activity, particularly sucking pests. Apply first split of nitrogen fertilizer.
June: Provide regular irrigation based on soil moisture levels. Implement weed control practices (manual removal or herbicides).
July: Monitor for cotton bollworms. Apply pesticides judiciously if needed.
4. August - September (Flowering & Monitoring):
August: Cotton plants will enter the flowering stage. Provide adequate water and apply the second split of nitrogen fertilizer.
September: Continue monitoring for pests and diseases. Irrigation frequency might be reduced, but ensure plants aren't water-stressed.
5. October - December (Harvesting & Post-Harvest):
October: Expect the first cotton bolls to start opening. Begin harvesting once a majority of the bolls are open.
November: Complete the harvest. Consider composting or incorporating cotton stalks back into the soil to enhance organic matter.
December: Prepare for the next cycle by assessing the health of the soil and making note of any significant pest or disease occurrences during the growing season.
Additional Recommendations:
Intercropping: Given pest pressure on cotton, consider intercropping with legumes or other suitable crops to deter pests and enhance soil fertility.
Pest Management: Given the susceptibility of cotton to pests, regular field scouting is crucial. Consider pheromone traps for bollworms and biological control agents for integrated pest management.
Cover Cropping: After cotton harvest, consider planting a cover crop to improve soil health and reduce weed pressure.
Water Management: Use techniques like ridge and furrow or drip irrigation, especially during water-scarce months.