Investigating the Factors Causing the Cotton Yield Gap (Case Study: Golestan Province - Kordkuy County)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

2 Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

3 Dept. of Agronomy, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

10.22092/ijcr.2024.365938.1217

Abstract

Introduction: Cotton is a critical crop in Golestan Province, yet there is a notable discrepancy between actual and attainable yields, largely due to suboptimal agricultural management practices. In each region, specific factors contribute more significantly to the yield gap, influenced by local resources and farmer experience. Identifying these factors and their contributions can guide targeted improvements in agricultural management. This study aims to identify the yield-limiting factors for cotton and estimate the yield gap in Kordkuy County.
 
Materials and Methods: This study assessed 57 cotton farms in Kordkuy County during 2020. Data on agricultural management practices—including seedbed preparation, cultivar choice, seed source, planting timing, weed control, pesticide application, and seed consumption—were collected through field visits and farmer interviews. Actual yields were recorded. The Comparative Performance Analysis (CPA) method was employed to determine the contribution of each factor to the yield gap. Data were analyzed using SAS software, with quantitative variables examined through linear regression and qualitative variables assessed via a completely randomized design. Mean comparisons were performed using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% significance level.
 
Findings: The study revealed a substantial yield gap of 56.7% in Kordkuy cotton farms. Key factors affecting yield were identified as pest issues (49%), seed disinfection (31%), pre-planting irrigation (10.2%), weed presence (6.7%), and planting method (2.9%). Addressing these issues—by controlling pests, performing seed disinfection and pre-planting irrigation, mechanizing planting, and managing weeds—could potentially increase yields from 2,192 kg/ha to 5,061 kg/ha. Without optimal management, the yield gap remains at 2,869 kg/ha.
Conclusion: The findings highlight that optimizing management practices related to plant density, intra-row spacing, planting dates, mechanized planting, seed disinfection, pre-planting irrigation, pest control, and weed management can significantly boost cotton yields. These insights are valuable for the Agricultural Jihad Organization and extension workers aiming to enhance cotton production.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Cotton Researches
Volume 11, Issue 2
August 2023
Pages 1-22

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