The complete economic analysis is a cost and returns estimate for a hypothetical farm. Summary tables for cash costs per acre and net returns per acre above cash costs are presented after the references. Results and Discussion Many of the production practices for organically grown cotton are similar to that of the conventionally grown crop. Production differences are seen primarily in soil fertility and pest management, and in boll maturation and defoliation techniques. Harvest and ginning practices are somewhat modified.
Organic growers manage soil fertility using a number of different strategies.
Composted animal manures are spread and incorporated into soils to provide organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients. Cover or green manure crops have also been successfully managed and rotated on a small scale in the short winter between production seasons. Grasses such as barley and wheat, and legumes such as bell beans, winter peas, and vetch are typically planted. In addition, crop rotation and diversification assist in nutrient cycling and organic matter management. Organic matter is particularly important for improving soil structure, and for providing nitrogen and other nutrients for crop production.