The field management of wheat intercropping follows a structured approach to ensure optimal growth and yield. The general principle is "early promotion of seedlings, long-term stability in the middle stage, and late-stage protection against maturity." To achieve this, farmers implement specific strategies summarized as the "Three Defenses," "Four Grabs," and "Five Attention Points."
Before wheat harvest, the focus is on the "Three Defenses." First, checking for missing seedlings is crucial. After sowing cotton, it's important to monitor seedling emergence and fill in any gaps promptly. Watering should also be done before harvest to prevent drought stress and seedling death. Second, pest control must be timely. Local pests like cutworms are more active before harvest, so early intervention is key. Third, promoting healthy seedlings through proper nutrition is essential. Applying an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer during watering helps accelerate seedling development.
After wheat is harvested, the "Four Grabs" come into play. First, removing stubble quickly helps reduce soil compaction and promotes better root development for cotton. Second, applying fertilizer at the right time is critical. Urea is typically applied at 2.5–5 kg per 667 square meters after harvest, but care must be taken not to over-fertilize, which could harm young cotton plants. Third, irrigation after fertilization ensures that nutrients are absorbed properly, supporting plant growth. Fourth, pest monitoring is necessary. Corn borers may transfer from wheat to cotton, so prompt action with pesticides or protective tape is required when infestations reach 1% of the cotton plants.
The "Five Attention Points" cover additional aspects of management. First, balanced fertilization is vital. Early application of urea (10–15 kg/667 sq m) during the flowering stage helps support growth, while avoiding late-season fertilization to prevent delayed maturity. In phosphorus-deficient areas, foliar sprays of potassium dihydrogen phosphate or diammonium phosphate can be used. Second, pruning or controlling excessive growth is necessary when main stems grow beyond 3 cm. Third, timely topping improves plant structure and productivity. Fourth, soil cultivation during flowering prevents waterlogging and lodging. Lastly, regular pest monitoring is essential, especially for bollworms and grasshoppers. When 5 larvae are found per 100 plants, or when leaf rolling reaches 5%, immediate treatment is needed.
By following these practices, farmers can effectively manage wheat-cotton intercropping systems, ensuring both crops thrive and maximizing overall yield.
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