How does drought typically affect cotton crop yield?

Drought typically has a detrimental effect on cotton crop yield. When cotton plants experience insufficient water availability, the stress induced can lead to several physiological processes that negatively impact their growth and development.

During drought conditions, cotton plants may not be able to uptake enough water to support optimal photosynthesis and nutrient transportation. This limitation can lead to reduced boll formation and smaller cotton fiber size, resulting in lower overall yield and quality. Additionally, drought can affect the plants' ability to handle stress, resulting in poor fiber development. The fibers produced under such stress conditions tend to be of lower quality as they may not fully develop, reflecting a decline in the standard expected for high-quality cotton. Thus, the link between drought stress and diminished fiber development and quality is well established in agronomic studies, making the association clear and significant in understanding the impact of drought on cotton production.