What is the term for the cotton fiber's maturity measurement at harvest?

The term for measuring the maturity of cotton fiber at harvest is micronaire. Micronaire is a pivotal measurement that reflects both the fineness and maturity of cotton fibers. It is determined by compressing a known volume of cotton into a small area and measuring the air permeability. This value gives insight into the fiber's density and maturity, which are critical factors affecting fabric quality and the spinning process.

A higher micronaire indicates that the fibers are more mature and denser, which can be desirable in many cases. If the fibers are immature, they tend to be lighter, which can lead to issues in spinning and affect the overall strength and quality of the final product. Understanding micronaire helps growers and buyers assess the quality and predict performance characteristics of the cotton before it is processed.