Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed agricultural crops in the world, using some of
the most toxic chemicals available. Cotton accounts for more than 10% of pesticide use,
and approximately 23% of insecticide use worldwide. Organic Cotton agriculture avoids the use of
chemicals by promoting healthy plants and soil to control pests.
Organic Cotton and Seed Preparation
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Typically treats seed with fungicides and insecticides.
- Uses GMO seed for approximately 70% of US-grown cotton.
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- Uses untreated seeds.
- Never uses GMO seeds.
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Organic Cotton - Soil & Water |
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- Applies synthetic fertilizers.
- Loss of soil due to predominantly mono-crop culture.
- Requires intensive irrigation.
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- Builds strong soil through crop rotation.
- Retains water more efficiently thanks to increased organic matter in the soil.
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Organic Cotton and Weed Control |
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- Applies herbicides to soil to inhibit weed germination.
- Repeatedly uses herbicides to kill weeds that do grow.
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- Physical removal rather than chemical destruction.
- Controls weeds through cultivation and hand hoeing.
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Organic Cotton and Pest Control |
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- Uses insecticides heavily, accounting for approximately 25% of world consumption.
- Uses pesticides: the nine most common are highly toxic; five are probably carcinogens.
- Frequently uses aerial spraying, with potential drift onto farm workers, neighboring wildlife and communities.
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- Maintains a balance between "pests" and their natural predators through healthy soil.
- Uses beneficial insects, biological and cultural practices to control pests.
- May use trap crops, planted to lure insects away from the cotton.
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Harvesting Organic Cotton |
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- Defoliates with chemicals.
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- Relies mostly on the seasonal freeze for defoliation.
- May stimulate defoliation through water management.
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