Ron Harris Of Ravensworth Cattle Property Shares Tips For Sustainable Cotton Production

By Author: Kevin Kelley
Total Articles: 3
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To say that Australia is a country that is “good” at producing cotton is an understatement. In 2012, Australia produced 973,497 metric tonnes of cotton in 2012, good enough to be the 8th most productive in the world. Furthermore, Australia was one of the five leading exporters of cotton in 2012. Needless to say, Australia’s cotton industry is truly alive and well.

Since the country is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton, it isn’t much of a stretch to say that the world depends on the amount of cotton Australia produces. This is why it is important for cotton producers in the country to adapt sustainable cotton production techniques. According to Ron Harris of Ravensworth Cattle Property, cotton producers looking for sustainable production should follow these simple tips:

Proper Crop Rotation

Crop rotation involves changing the type of crops a plot of land grows. As different plants have different nutritional requirements, crop rotation is able to keep land fertile by giving it time to recover the nutrients the previous crop absorbed. In addition, a number of plants are known for ...
... adding certain nutrients to soil. Through proper crop rotation and “rest periods”, farmd are able to continuously produce healthy and high-quality cotton.

Intelligent Use of Fertilisers and Pesticides

The use of fertilisers and pesticides must be done intelligently. In particular, cotton producers must avoid the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. The components of these products are known to sap soil of a number of important nutrients. In many cases, the chemicals can also make their way to nearby bodies of water and contaminate these. As much as possible, cotton producers are encouraged to stick with organic fertilisers and pesticides.

One of the most difficult aspects of growing cotton is how delicate the plant can be. By following these tips from Ron Harris from Ravensworth Cattle Property, however, sustainable production of high-quality cotton is attainable, even in areas with conditions that are less than ideal. In fact, respected cotton producers have been able to find ways to grow cotton in southern New South Wales. If everyone in the country took a page out of their book, the Australian Cotton Industry can become an even stronger player in the cotton market. For more information on sustainable cotton production, check out www.CSIRO.au.