Growing Cotton Right: Test and Prep Soil Before Planting

When it comes to growing cotton, success starts before a single seed is planted. Many growers focus on managing cotton after it has emerged, but successful management begins below the surface and prior to planting. Understanding what your soil already provides and what it lacks sets the foundation for strong germination, uniform emergence and lasting yield potential.

Soil preparation and texture considerations for growing cotton

Soil preparation is the cornerstone of productive cotton growing. Pre-season soil testing identifies pH, fertility and drainage challenges early, allowing time to correct them before planting. Cotton performs best in well-structured, loamy soils that let roots grow deep and access moisture and nutrients throughout the profile. Abrupt texture changes, compaction or high water tables can limit root development, restrict aeration and reduce yield potential. Using soil test data to guide nutrient amendments, especially nitrogen, ensures plants have the right balance for early growth and the rapid nutrient demand that begins at squaring.¹

Assessing and managing soil moisture

Water is one of the two biggest drivers for more uniform emergence and early vigor. Cotton seeds must absorb enough water to germinate quickly, so planting into moist seedbeds ensures even stands and faster growth.
Monitoring both surface and in-furrow moisture helps avoid uneven germination and weak stands. Moisture-conserving practices such as reduced tillage and residue management can improve seedbed conditions and support early growth under variable spring weather.²

Timing planting by soil temperature and weather

The other primary driver to cotton emergence and early vigor? Soil temperature.
Understanding how to plant cotton seeds into the best possible conditions involves timing planting when soil has been consistently 65 F or above for at least three days. Planting too early into cool or fluctuating soils slows emergence and increases seedling disease risk. Additionally, you should have at least 50 DD60s (the number of degree days accumulated over a period of time) projected for the next five days.
To calculate DD60s, add the day’s lowest temperature with highest, and divide the result by two. Then subtract 60 from that number to get your DD60 for that day.³
Many university extension calculators are available to help track DD60s in your state or region.
Monitoring accumulated heat units (DD60s) can help predict emergence timing, ideally when daytime highs are in the mid-80s and nighttime lows are in the 60s. Consistent soil warmth, combined with favorable weather, gives cotton seedlings the best start for strong stands and early vigor.

Factoring in seed quality and germination

Seed quality becomes critical when planting conditions are less than ideal. Growing cotton requires warm, consistent temperatures for quick emergence, but under cooler or variable conditions, using seed with high warm and cool germination ratings can improve stand establishment. When choosing where to buy cotton seeds, make sure you choose a dealer with high quality options rated for your typical planting conditions.
Check laboratory test results and adjust seeding rates or planter depth based on field variability and expected emergence. You may be tempted to plant deep in order to access soil moisture, but this is rarely successful. Consider that option only if soil moisture is adequate below ½” under the surface and your soils aren’t prone to crusting after a rain. You’re better off planting shallow and waiting for rain than planting deep and risking soil moisture depletion in a critical window of growth.⁴

Field management before and after planting cotton

Effective field management shouldn’t only happen once your cotton crop emerges. Pre-plant efforts should include timely termination of cover crops (2 to 3 weeks before planting) to conserve moisture and reduce early-season insect pressure.
Once plants emerge, scout early for thrips and monitor weed competition. After emergence, avoid stacking multiple stresses (herbicide injury + pest pressure + low soil moisture) since these delays cost maturity and yield.⁵
Every cotton season should begin with the same foundation: well-managed soil, strong seed and precise timing. By managing these factors early, you can protect yield potential, reduce stress later in the season and give your crop the best chance to reach full fiber quality and production goals.

Experts are available to help you make your cotton growing decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent or a seed company professional like your regional BASF representative.

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Endnotes

1. Silvertooth, Jeffrey C. “Soil Management and Soil Testing for Irrigated Cotton Production (Publication AZ1216).” University of Arizona — College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cooperative Extension, February 2001, https://cales.arizona.edu/crops/cotton/soilmgt/soilmanagement.html
2. Byrd, Seth. “Considerations for Cotton Planting and Early Season Growth.” Oklahoma State University Extension, June 2019, https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/considerations-for-cotton-planting-and-early-season-growth.html
3. “A Few Reminders for Planting Cotton.” Tift County Extension Producer Updates, 6 Apr. 2023, site.extension.uga.edu/tiftcoag/2023/04/a-few-reminders-for-planting-cotton/.
4. Collins, Guy, and Keith Edmisten. “Considerations for Expected Planting Conditions.” NC State Extension – Cotton, 24 Apr. 2024, https://cotton.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/04/considerations-for-expected-planting-conditions-collins-edmisten-cahoon/
5. Byrd. “Considerations for Cotton Planting and Early Season Growth.