Assessing the impact of natural farming practices on quality parameters of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

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.

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.

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.