Assessing the Impact of Natural Farming Practices on Quality Parameters of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Abstract

Background: Cotton, a popular fiber crop, is in high demand for textiles due to its natural properties. It plays a vital role in biological cycles and sustainable yield. A field experiment to compare natural, organic farming and integrated crop management to assess cotton fiber qualities was conducted in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, for two years (2021-22 and 2022-23) in Cotton cv. CO 17. Methods: The experiment had nine treatments, arranged in a Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. A complete Zero Budget Natural Farming Practices were used, including Ghanajeevamirit as Basal, seed treatment with Beejamirit, Jeevamirit applied twice a month through irrigation, intercropping, mulching and Whapasa (Alternate Furrow irrigation). Organic and Integrated plots were also included. Result: The use of beejamirit, jeevamirit and ghanajeevamirit in natural farming led to substantial seed cotton yield of 1287 kg ha-1 in 2021-22 and 1364 kg ha-1 in 2022-23, comparable to organic plots of 1695 kg ha-1 in 2021-22 and 1768 kg ha-1 in 2022-23, while improving soil health, biodiversity and pest management. Quality characteristics did not significantly differ among the different farming practices.