Soil Health in Cotton Cultivation

The field crop sector at Kibbutz HaZorea cultivates a diverse range of crops, including cotton, wheat, corn, processing tomatoes, and forage crops. Over the years, the team has continuously explored alternative crops and advanced agricultural technologies to enhance cultivation efficiency while maintaining long-term soil fertility.

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During the first season of the project, the sector implemented a double-cropping system, where wheat was grown for silage, harvested immediately after ripening, and followed by direct cotton sowing into the wheat stubble. This approach aims to maximize land utilization year-round, while mitigating erosion risks and nutrient depletion. The impact of double-cropping was evaluated across various soil health and productivity parameters and compared to a farm control plot managed under the winter fallow system.

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One key finding from the first season was an increase in aggregate stability, as reflected in a higher average aggregate diameter in the double-cropping plots compared to the control.

In the upcoming season, the project will expand to include an additional experimental plot where a "green fallow" approach will be tested. This will allow for comparative analysis between the control, double-cropping, and green fallow plots, with a focus on adapting practices to the unique soil conditions of Kibbutz HaZorea’s agricultural lands.