On Light and Simplified Cotton Cultivation

The main contents of light and simplified cultivation (LSC) of cotton are discussed, and the LSC development is prospected in the paper. Light and simplified cultivation of cotton refers to the simplification and minimization of field management and operations, as well as the integration of agronomic technologies and agricultural machinery or good cotton variety to reduce production costs and labor intensity during cotton farming and cultivation, and to realize sustainable production. LSC is an important supporting technology for China's cotton production from the traditional labor intensive to the light and cost-saving, which is fully based on the national conditions of China. The new cultivation technology system was established after the innovation and transformation of traditional cotton cultivation technology. The LSC technology system mainly includes precision mono-seeding, simplified pruning or non-pruning technique, one-time fertilization technology or fertigation management technology, and optimization of boll setting through regulation of fruiting distribution and grouped harvesting technology. From the perspective of the future, we should further optimize the planting pattern, improve the key cultivation techniques of LSC, develop new material and equipment, promote the high fusion of agronomic technology and material equipment, and provide more powerful theoretical and technical support for LSC. Improved LSC will play more important roles in supporting the sustainable development of cotton production in China.