Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 27-36 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 33 Figure 3 Schematic of four different planting densities of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) evaluated during this study on cotton cultivation in Xinjiang, China (Adopted from Zuo et al., 2023) Image caption: Where RS66+10H has 66+10 cm row spacing with 26 plants m-2 (high density), RS76H, where 76 cm row spacing with 26 plants m-2 (high density), RS76L has 76 cm row spacing with 13 plants m-2 (low density), and RS66+10L (66+10 cm row spacing with 13 plants m-2 (low density) (Adopted from Zuo et al., 2023) In Qitai oasis, Xinjiang, a Decision Support System for Irrigation Scheduling (DSSIS) was adopted to help scientifically arrange irrigation time. The system combines precipitation prediction and crop water stress index to optimize water use efficiency. Compared with the method relying on soil moisture sensor, the cotton yield increased by 32% and the water use efficiency increased by 20% after using DSSIS. Under the condition of complete irrigation, the system brings the highest yield and maximum benefit, showing its application value in planting in arid areas (Chen et al., 2020). 6.2 Case 2: planting practice in other arid areas In order to improve the water use efficiency of cotton in an extremely arid oasis in Northwest China, researchers conducted a two-year experiment. The experiment compared four irrigation strategies, and the results showed that: controlling the irrigation amount to 80% of the field capacity, while saving about 20% of water resources, only 13% of the yield was reduced, which was an ideal scheme for both yield and water saving (Shareef et al., 2018). In the high-altitude plains of the United States, researchers investigated how different management strategies affect dryland cotton yields through simulation studies. Their findings revealed that early planting and reduced plant density significantly boosted production. The optimal combination of May 15 sowing and a planting density of 3 plants per meter demonstrated the best yield performance in simulations. This indicates that under semi-arid conditions, adjusting sowing timing and planting density can effectively enhance yields while reducing cultivation risks (Mauget et al., 2020). 6.3 Experience summary Two cases in Xinjiang emphasize the importance of precision irrigation. Shihezi achieved maximum yield by optimizing row spacing and drip irrigation; Qitai improved the yield and water use efficiency with the help of irrigation scheduling system (Chen et al., 2020; Zuo et al., 2023). In areas with water shortage, reasonable irrigation management can effectively improve cotton output. In contrast, the research in Northwest China proposed water-saving irrigation scheme, which can achieve good benefits even at a slight sacrifice of production; The simulation study in the south of the United States pointed out that proper early sowing and reduction of density could cope with drought risk and improve yield (Shareef et al., 2018; Mauget et al., 2020). Under different climatic conditions, it is necessary to adjust water management and planting methods according to local conditions in order to realize the sustainable development of cotton planting.
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