Which factor is NOT typically associated with cotton quality?

Soil temperature is not typically associated with the quality of cotton. Cotton quality is predominantly evaluated based on characteristics that affect its marketability and grade, such as leaf grade, which pertains to the plant's cleanliness and the presence of foreign materials; loan value, which reflects the financial worth of the cotton under governmental loan programs; and color, which influences aesthetic appeal and dye uptake in manufacturing processes.

While soil temperature can play a role in plant growth and development, it does not directly determine the characteristics that define cotton quality. Factors like fiber length, strength, micronaire, and the presence of contaminants are much more critical when it comes to assessing the final quality of the cotton produced.