Revolutionizing Cotton Cultivation: Impact of High Density Planting System (HDPS) on Yield

Abstract

Cotton cultivation is often constrained by low productivity, climatic variability and pest incidence under conventional spacing methods. High-Density Planting System (HDPS) has emerged as an efficient agronomic strategy for improving plant population, resource utilization and yield performance. This study assesses the agronomic and statistical impact of High-Density Planting System (HDPS) on cotton (Gossypium spp.) yield as compared to that of conventional method of planting. Field trials were conducted across 120 farms in Akola district, Maharashtra, India during the 2024 cotton growing season under Special Project on Cotton. The experiment utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to minimize climatic and topographical variations. Two planting geometries viz., HDPS (90 X 15 cm) and Conventional spacing (120 X 30 cm) were compared for yield performance using Z-test analysis, confidence intervals, Cohen’s d effect size and correlation analysis was done between plant population density and corresponding yield. Results revealed a significant yield increase of 32.7% under HDPS with mean yield of 12.25 qtl/acre as compared to conventional method (9.23 qtl/acre). Highly significant z-score (18.06**), confidence intervals (95% CI: 2.69 – 3.35) depicting true yield difference between both the methods of planting and Cohen’s d (2.33) showing large effect size confirmed superiority of HDPS over conventional planting. Correlation coefficient (r = 0.71) affirmed the strong positive relation between plant population density and yield/acre. Furthermore, HDPS exhibited early maturity, better canopy coverage, reduced pest exposure, particularly to pink bollworm and ultimately improved resource use efficiency. The results substantiate HDPS as a scalable, sustainable solution for enhancing cotton productivity in rainfed regions with light to medium soil.