Soil Health in Cotton Cultivation

The field crop sector at Kibbutz Mizra spans approximately 6,000 dunams (1,483 acres), specializing in the cultivation of cotton, corn, wheat, peas, and other industrial crops. Combining a rich agricultural heritage with cutting-edge technologies, the sector integrates drip irrigation and computerized land management to optimize production efficiency.

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During the first year of the project, comparative analyses were conducted across three plots: a farm control plot, a "green fallow" plot with service crops sown between ridges, and a no-till plot.

A January 2024 rain event provided a critical test of soil conservation practices. The "green fallow" and no-till plots demonstrated a marked reduction in soil erosion compared to the control, highlighting the agronomic and economic importance of erosion management for growers.

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Additionally, petiole monitoring at five intervals revealed higher nitrogen content in cotton plants from the no-till and "green fallow" plots compared to the control, indicating improved nitrogen availability under conservation practices.

 

As the project enters its second year, the focus shifts to refining management strategies based on first-year insights:

• Earlier sowing of the cover crop mixture to optimize establishment and performance.

• A "green fallow" plot without ridges, allowing for the termination of high-biomass service crops using an angled roller for improved efficiency.

Further updates will be shared as the project progresses, offering deeper insights into the long-term benefits of soil health-focused cotton cultivation.