Which organic farming practice can benefit cotton production?

Implementing crop rotations with legumes is beneficial for cotton production in organic farming due to several agronomic advantages. Crop rotation helps to break pest and disease cycles, as planting different crops can disrupt the habitat for pests that might thrive on a single crop like cotton. By incorporating legumes into the rotation, the soil can also be enriched with nitrogen, as legumes have the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through their root nodules, improving soil fertility and promoting healthier cotton plants. This enhancement in soil nutrients can lead to better cotton yield and quality.

In contrast, practices such as planting only cotton every season can lead to soil exhaustion and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, as monoculture does not allow for the benefits of biodiversity. The use of chemical fertilizers and regular pesticide applications are not compatible with organic farming practices and can undermine soil health and environmental integrity, which are central to organic farming principles.