Which of the following is considered a sustainable practice in cotton harvesting?

Manual harvesting is recognized as a sustainable practice in cotton harvesting primarily because it minimizes soil disturbance. This method generally involves less disruption of the soil layers compared to mechanical harvesting, which can compact the soil or lead to erosion. By reducing soil disturbance, manual harvesting helps maintain soil health and structure, supports beneficial organisms, and decreases the likelihood of runoff and sedimentation, which can occur with more intrusive harvesting methods.

In addition to these environmental benefits, manual harvesting allows for more selective picking, which can enhance the overall quality of the cotton harvested. This practice is particularly important in sustainable agriculture as it aligns with the principles of conservation and responsible farming, ensuring that farming practices do not compromise future agricultural productivity.