I want to intercrop something in my cotton rows to spread risk in rainfed land. What combinations work without hurting cotton yield?
Which intercrops work well in cotton to reduce risk and earn extra (kapas)?
BBasavaraj Hadimani7mo ago · 281 views
3 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓7mo ago
In rainfed cotton, short duration pulses like green gram, black gram, or cowpea are common intercrops because they mature early, add nitrogen, and give a bonus harvest before cotton needs the full space. Some farmers also use onion or soybean depending on the region and spacing. The key is to keep the cotton population intact and put the intercrop only in the space between cotton rows so it does not compete for moisture and light during the cotton fruiting stage. Choose an intercrop that finishes before peak cotton water demand, especially under rainfed conditions. Pick the exact combination and row arrangement suited to your soil and rainfall with help from your local KVK.
SShivanand Patil7mo ago
I grow green gram between cotton rows every year. It is harvested before cotton picks up, gives me some quick income, and the soil stays better for the cotton. Just do not crowd the cotton.
MMallikarjun Gowda7mo ago
Cowpea worked well for me as the early intercrop because it covers the ground fast and smothers weeds while the cotton is still small. I pull it out for fodder and a quick harvest before the cotton starts flowering. The shade cover also kept the soil moisture a little longer in the dry spell.