Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 27-36 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 34 7 Economic and Social Aspects 7.1 Economic feasibility of high yield cultivation practice The economic benefit of developing high-yield cotton planting in arid areas is not single, but also depends on the technology used. For example, cotton and mung bean intercropping (CMBI) is more cost-effective than traditional monoculture. It not only improves the yield per unit of land, but also enhances the ability of crops to absorb nitrogen. Water use efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency also increase, eventually bringing better income (Liang et al., 2020). The combination of drip irrigation and mulching film can increase the yield and reduce the labor input, so as to improve the net profit (Feng et al., 2017). However, whether these methods are cost-effective depends on whether the local water resources are sufficient. If the water shortage is serious and there is no good irrigation system, drip irrigation will not necessarily make money (Khor and Feike, 2017). Adjusting irrigation methods can also affect costs and benefits. Under irrigation with field capacity controlled at about 80% can save water and maintain good yield and income (Shareef et al., 2018). Using the treated wastewater to irrigate cotton can not only increase production, but also use less chemical fertilizer, which is also more economically advantageous (De Araújo et al., 2022). 7.2 Labor force and social impact The high-yield planting mode in arid areas has changed the original labor use structure. Mechanization and precision seeding technology have greatly reduced the labor demand, and cotton planting has become more labor-saving and efficient (Feng et al., 2017). Although the labor cost has been reduced and the burden of farmers has been lightened, the premise is that they have to learn to operate these new equipment. Therefore, training should be carried out to teach them to use agricultural machinery and precision seeding equipment. Drip irrigation and plastic film mulching, these new irrigation technologies, also require high skills of operators. Systematic training can help farmers allocate water resources reasonably and increase production (Iqbal et al., 2021). If the treated wastewater is used for irrigation, special attention should be paid to the use method to ensure safety and effectiveness (De Araújo et al., 2022). 7.3 Market access and Sustainability Whether the high-yield cotton planted in arid areas can be sold smoothly is also crucial. A common problem is that the poor quality of cotton fiber, coupled with the pollution of film residue, may be rejected by the market (Feng et al., 2017). In order to enhance competitiveness, we must adopt environmentally friendly planting methods to improve the quality of cotton. Ecological certification is a breakthrough. If cotton can get the organic or fair trade label, it will be easier to attract consumers who pay attention to environmental protection. Water saving technologies such as under irrigation and reuse of wastewater help to achieve environmental standards and improve the pass rate of certification (De Araújo et al., 2022; Chen et al., 2023). Mulching technology can also conserve water and reduce fertilization frequency, which is also a support for sustainable agriculture (Iqbal et al., 2021). 8 Conclusion There were significant differences in drought resistance and water use among different cotton varieties. 'tamcot cd3h 'and' tx-cabucs-2-1-83 'are two varieties with high yield and good adaptability in water shortage environment. Irrigation strategy has a great impact on yield. Controlling irrigation at 80% of the field capacity can not only save water, but also maintain a relatively high yield. This method is especially suitable for areas with limited water resources. Irrigation time cannot be arranged at will. Watering at night and controlling the water temperature between 25 ℃ and 28 ℃ will help to improve the photosynthetic efficiency of cotton. In water-scarce areas, irrigation with treated wastewater is a practical approach. It not only increases yields but also reduces fertilizer use and lowers planting costs. In addition to water management, partial root zone drought and cover treatments (such as laying wheat straw) have also been shown to be effective in saving water, increasing
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