New irrigation technique boosts cotton yield in arid regions of Xinjiang.
Cotton grown without plastic film and watered with drip irrigation in Xinjiang was studied. The researchers found that the more water used, the more cotton produced, up to a point. After that point, more water didn't increase cotton yield. The best amount of water to use was around 444-455 mm, leading to higher cotton yield and water efficiency. This information can help farmers in dry areas grow more cotton using less water.