Boosting yields without excessive nutrient loading, while simultaneously enriching the soil and enhancing quality—this is the goal. For a long time, the practice of applying excessive amounts of chemical fertilizers—often as a single nutrient source—has hindered the green, sustainable development of the cotton industry. Recently, a research team from the Western Agricultural Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) has focused on green cultivation techniques for cotton fields. By analyzing over two decades of national research data on organic substitution, they have systematically identified the mechanisms by which replacing a portion of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers affects soil quality and cotton yields. They have developed a scientific, efficient, and green fertilization model, laying a solid scientific foundation for the high-quality, efficient, and eco-friendly development of the cotton industry in Xinjiang and across the country.

At the CAAS Changji Comprehensive Experimental Base—located within the Changji National Agricultural High-tech Industry Demonstration Zone—researchers are currently conducting a series of experiments, including soil sampling, data screening, and information entry. They are continuously refining and optimizing scientific fertilization protocols to facilitate the transition toward precision and eco-friendly fertilization practices. To address industry challenges regarding quality improvement, efficiency gains, and soil health, the team integrated vast amounts of research data. They systematically reviewed studies conducted nationwide between 2000 and 2024, conducting an in-depth analysis of 56 field trial reports and 412 sets of authoritative experimental data to comprehensively and precisely evaluate the impact of partial organic substitution on cotton yields and soil fertility.

Leveraging long-term data and repeated experimental validation, the team has clearly defined the advantages and optimal application scenarios for various types of organic fertilizers. They have developed targeted, differentiated technical standards for precision fertilization, fundamentally transforming the previous practice of indiscriminate, single-nutrient fertilization and providing a clear, actionable technical basis for scientific and efficient fertilization across different regions. Zhang Yaopeng, head of the experimental fields for the "Cotton Layout and Low-Carbon Production Innovation Team" at the CAAS Western Agricultural Research Center, explained that different organic fertilizers offer distinct advantages suited to specific cultivation needs. For instance, microbial fertilizers deliver notable short-term yield increases, rapidly boosting cotton quality and grower income; meanwhile, organic materials like biochar excel at long-term soil improvement, continuously enhancing soil structure and restoring soil fertility. Localities can scientifically select organic fertilizer types and precisely control application rates by taking into account local climate characteristics, soil conditions, and existing fertilization practices, thereby truly achieving site-specific fertilization and targeted management.

As a key cash crop in my country, cotton plays a vital role in the country's agricultural development. However, traditional cotton cultivation has long relied on the excessive use of single-type chemical fertilizers. This practice not only increases production costs for farmers but also triggers a series of ecological issues—such as soil compaction, declining soil fertility, and nutrient loss—that disrupt the ecological balance of farmland and act as a bottleneck hindering the high-quality, sustainable development of the cotton industry. Achieving a "triple-win" outcome—reducing chemical fertilizer use, improving soil quality, and increasing cotton yields—has long been a core challenge and a key focus of research in the field of cotton cultivation.

Data from multiple trials have fully demonstrated that the new cultivation model, which combines organic and chemical fertilizers scientifically, offers significant advantages and superior results compared to the traditional model relying solely on chemical fertilizers. The data show that under the new model, average cotton yields increased by over 25%, soil organic matter content rose by approximately 23%, and levels of key nutrients—such as available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—saw substantial increases. At the same time, soil compaction was effectively alleviated, and the soil's capacity to retain water and nutrients was significantly enhanced, successfully delivering the threefold benefits of improved soil fertility, optimized soil quality, and high cotton yields. Zhang Zhenggui, head of the experimental platform for the "Cotton Layout and Low-Carbon Production Innovation Team" at the Western Agricultural Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, stated that the team would continue to deepen its research efforts. They plan to conduct collaborative studies focusing on multiple factors—including soil, nutrients, microorganisms, and climate—to further refine the green fertilization technology system. Additionally, the team will actively explore pathways to integrate soil quality improvement and efficiency enhancement with the development of cotton-based carbon sinks. By continuously solidifying the scientific and technological foundation for high cotton yields, improved soil quality, and low-carbon agricultural development, they aim to provide robust scientific support for the sustainable, high-quality growth of the national cotton industry.