Cotton plant spacing vs yield, and first-dose fertilizers in cotton

Summary

• Cotton area expanded in AP/TS as MSP was fixed at Rs 8,100 per quintal for the season, attracting more farmers.
• Demonstrates spacing trials: narrow spacing increases plant count but reduces boll size; wider spacing gives bigger plants but lower stand.
• First-dose fertilizer recommendation: DAP 50 kg + MOP 25 kg + urea 25 kg + zinc sulphate 10 kg per acre at 20-25 days.
• Farmer is cultivating 4 acres of cotton himself and shares his actual fertilizer schedule rather than a promotional pitch.