Seeds and sowing of Cotton (Gossypium sp.)

Seed rate and method of sowing

Method of sowing	Seed rate (kg / ac)
	Varieties	Hybrids
Drill sowing	3 - 4	-
Hand dibbling	1-1.2	1-1.2

Note: Soak 1 kg of cotton seeds in 100 ml of commercial grade Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) for ten minutes it enhance good germination of seeds.

Time of sowing

Situation for sowing varieties/hybrids	Time of sowing
I. Rainfed
a. Herbaceum varieties (Jayadhar/DDHc-11 etc.)	July -September
b. Arboreum varieties (DLSa-17)S	May - July
c. Hirsutum varieties/hybrids (Inter specific and Intra hirsutum)	May - 15th July
II. Irrigated
a. Hybrids	May - 15th July
b. Summer cotton	February - March

Note: Early sowing in the season is recommended for higher yields.

• In Ghatprabha area during summer, take up the sowing from first fortnight of March to first fortnight April.

Planting geometry

Planting geometry can be modified and adopted based on soil type and fertility. Following planting geometries have been recommended under different soils and various growing situations.

1. Rainfed situation (For varieties)	60cm x 30 cm or 90cm x 20 cm
2. Irrigated ( For varieties and summer cotton )	75 cm x 30 cm ( Average soils) 90 cm x 30 cm (Fertile soils)
3. Transitional Zone (Zone-8, Assured rainfall areas for Hybrids)
a. Interspecific hybrids	90 cm x 60 cm
b. Intra hirsutum hybrids	90 cm x 60 cm or 90 cm x 30 cm
4. Heavy rainfall tract (zone 9 -Malanad) and Irrigated areas
a. Interspecific hybrids	90 cm x 60 cm (Average fertility soils)
	90 cm x 60 cm or 90 cm x 30 cm
b. Intra hirsutum hybrids	120 cm x 60 cm (Fertile soil)

Note : Maintain  spacing depending on the soil fertility statuts.

Sowing:

• Incorporate organics (FYM/Compost/Crop residues) into the soil 2-3 weeks before sowing.
• For rainfed cotton apply entire recommended nutrients as basal at the time of sowing.
• Under assured rainfall conditions, apply 50% N, entire dose of P₂O₅ and K₂O as basal at the time of sowing and top dress remaining 50% N at 60 DAS.
• Under irrigated conditions, apply 50 % N & K₂O and entire P₂O₅ as basal at sowing and top dress 50 % N & K₂O at 30 DAS and remaining 25% N & K₂O at 60 DAS.
• Under irrigated conditions in Zone -3, apply 25 % N & K₂O and entire P₂O₅ as basal at sowing and top dress 50 % N & K₂O in three equal splits at 50, 80 and 110 DAS.
• Under heavy rainfall areas (Malanad), apply N, P₂O₅ and K₂O in three equal splits i.e. Basal, 60 and 90 DAS.
• In all the situations give foliar sprays of 2% Urea or DAP + 1% MOP at 80, 100 & 120 DAS