Cotton Production

Cotton is an annual field crop that is grown in a wide variety of regions. The largest areas of production are China, USA, CIS, West Africa and Brazil. Cotton, as a plant, generally requires large amounts of sunshine, but is prone to insect infestations and damage. Substantial inputs are required to produce the crop, making it one of the most capital intensive field crops.

New seed types have reduced the growing season and improved fiber characteristics, somewhat reducing the risks involved. Cotton is generally part of a crop rotation with soybeans and can sometimes be included in a crop rotation with corn.