Hi and welcome to the latest CSD regional newsletter. As planting season approaches, setting your cotton crop up for success begins well before the planter enters the field. Below are several things to consider before planting kicks off.

Seedbed preparation 

A well-prepared seedbed lays the foundation for strong germination, healthy root development, and optimal nutrient uptake.

To ensure your cotton crop gets the best start consider the following points:

• Uniform Fields: Level and consistent fields promote even emergence.
• Stubble Management: Break down or incorporate stubble early particularly along planting lines.
• Weed-Free Zone: Eliminate weeds before planting.
• Fine Soil Tilth: improves seed-to-soil contact.
• Moisture Consolidation: Beds often need rainfall or irrigation to settle properly.
• Firm, Not Compacted: The seedbed should be firm enough to support planting but loose enough to allow root development.

Here’s what you gain from well prepared seed beds:

Better Germination
A firm, level bed ensures seeds are placed at the right depth, avoiding poor emergence.

Stronger Root Systems
Loose, well-structured soil encourages roots to develop and explore the soil profile.

Improved Moisture Management
Whether irrigated or rain-fed, a well-prepared bed retains moisture efficiently whilst ideally minimising waterlogging after large rain events.

Weed & Pest Control
A clean seedbed combined reduces early-season competition for germinating cotton plants.

Pre-season planter maintenance and checks

Before the planting rush kicks off drag the planter out of the shed and give it a good check over. Spending a bit of time check things over now will greatly reduce down time come the start of planting.

A few things to consider:

• Replace worn coulter discs and press wheels.
• Replace rubber vacuum seed plate seals – they don’t last long in Northern Australia conditions.
• Check correct (cotton) seed discs, seed knockers and singulators are installed.
• Check bearings on opening discs, press wheels and closing wheels etc.
• Run a tape measure across the planter to ensure correct row spacings.

Now is also a good time to ensure seed lubricant/graphite powder is on hand as this can help aid planting uniformity.

For more great tips on setting up your crop for success, check out the FastStart Cotton Establishment Guide.

If you do have some down time from wet weather, then it might be well worth taking the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Resistance Management Plan (RMP).

That’s a wrap for this month, as always if you do have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Until next time,  

Alex Roughley  

Follow us