Which practices can improve soil health in cotton farming?

Improving soil health in cotton farming can be achieved through practices that enhance the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the soil. Cover cropping and organic amendments are particularly effective for several reasons.

Cover cropping involves planting specific crops that are not harvested but are grown to enhance soil quality. These crops can improve soil structure, prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and enhance the microbial activity of the soil. They also contribute organic matter when they decompose, which adds nutrients and improves the soil's water-holding capacity.

Organic amendments, such as compost or manure, enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its structure. These amendments contribute to a more biodiverse soil ecosystem, fostering beneficial microorganisms that promote plant health and nutrient availability.

In contrast, practices like synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides can lead to negative effects on soil health over time by disrupting the natural soil ecosystem and potentially causing nutrient leaching and toxin buildup. Monoculture planting can deplete essential nutrients and lead to increased pest populations due to a lack of biodiversity. Additionally, high tillage practices can exacerbate soil erosion, reduce soil structure, and diminish organic matter content, all of which are detrimental to long-term soil health.

Thus, the use of cover cropping and organic amendments is recognized as a sustainable approach to