Cotton cultivation in Greece under sustainable utilization of inputs
Cotton, a high-value crop of primary financial importance for Greece, is directly affected by a wide range of environmental parameters, and water scarcity threatens the sustainability of irrigated cotton production in many regions around the world. Reducing inputs with an appropriate cultivar may not decrease cotton production and fiber quality while improving sustainability. To investigate cotton varietal responses to water stress and lack of nutrients, in the climate of north Greece, a three-year experiment was conducted in Thessaloniki, Greece. Four cotton cultivars (three of Greek origin and one from Africa) were cultivated under four irrigation (normal and reduced by 75%, 50%, and 25%) and two fertilization levels (normal and 50%). The effect of these treatments on productivity and quality were estimated, with the final objective being the reduction of inputs and more sustainable cotton production. Cotton producers are dealing with a cost price squeeze and the present study demonstrates that reducing the fertilization inputs even by half and the reduction of irrigation by 25% has no significant effect neither on yield nor on the main technological characteristics. This highlights the fact that a more sustainable use of inputs, contrary to common management, will have almost the same yield and even increase the farmer's income.