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How to plant vegetables in cotton fields
Last year, the decline in cotton output and production significantly dampened farmers' enthusiasm for growing cotton. However, recent government policies have introduced measures to reduce the area of cotton fields, optimize planting models, focus on improving yield, and enhance overall profitability. In particular, in suitable cotton areas, farmers can now intercrop vegetables with cotton to boost income.
According to long-term agricultural practices, in addition to intercropping vegetables between July and August, farmers can also plant vegetables in the wide rows of cotton during spring, and grow vegetables in the cotton rows or pre-crop plants during autumn and winter. Spring crops include peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, melons, leeks, and cauliflower, while autumn and winter crops consist of Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, rapeseed, radishes, spinach, and more. This intercropping method can increase income by 300-500 yuan per mu, sometimes even over 800 yuan. Additionally, the mulch index for cotton has also improved.
Is there a symbiotic relationship between fertilizers, water, temperature, and light in intercropped cotton fields? The answer is yes, but only if properly managed. According to the Yunmeng County Soil and Fertilizer Station, soil organic matter in cotton fields was 0.37% higher than in non-cultivated areas, with alkaline nitrogen at 41ppm, available phosphorus at 27.5ppm, and potassium oxide at 172ppm higher. With proper combinations, the conflicts between light, temperature, and water can be effectively balanced. For example, in Xiaogan City, the measured light intensity in cotton fields intercropped with early-maturing peppers was 20,033 lux, which is lower than a single pepper field, but since peppers don't require high light levels, it doesn’t negatively affect growth. In Xijiang Township, Hanchuan City, the soil surface temperature in the cotton field was 14°C, 0.8°C higher than in regular cotton fields, and the moisture content was 23.3%, 8.2% higher.
To address ecological conflicts caused by the ripening cycles of cotton and vegetables, several key technical points should be considered:
First, planting methods must be adjusted accordingly. For example, cotton rows should not be less than 1 meter apart, with a density of around 1,400 plants per mu. When planting peppers in spring, two rows of cotton are typically used, with about 3,000 plants per mu. For melons, one row of cotton is planted, with approximately 150 plants per mu. In autumn, when intercropping cabbages, two rows of cotton are used, with around 2,500 plants per mu.
Second, timely harvesting of vegetables is crucial. Spring crops should be harvested before the end of June, and autumn crops should be planted before the middle of the cotton boll opening period.
Third, fertilizer application should prioritize organic options, and excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided. Bio-organic compound fertilizers, such as those containing conjugated enzymes, are recommended, followed by a small amount of inorganic compound fertilizers to ensure long-lasting effects, high yields, and quality produce.
Fourth, chemical regulation should be applied sparingly. Starting from the budding stage, plant growth regulators like diltiazem or methotrexate can be sprayed with diluted solutions. The concentration should be lighter in the early stages and gradually increased as needed.