What Climate Is Cotton Grown In?

Climate

• Cotton is a crop that is best grown in subtropical climates and requires a temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit for germination, at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit to grow, and demands a climate in which the nights are relatively cool. An annual rainfall of at least 50 centimeters is needed for cotton growth, but too much rain and humidity can spoil cotton crops. Similarly, an overly dry climate can be equally as detrimental to a cotton crop. Irrigation can also be used to grow cotton as an alternative to rainfall.

Crops

• Because excess moisture can damage cotton crops, the soil used to plant cotton needs to have a high water capacity while also having good aeration and drainage properties. A few months after cotton is planted, it begins to blossom and will develop into a cotton boll after several weeks or even months. Once these bolls reach full maturity, they are harvested. Crops are harvested three times or more during a single season.

U.S. "Cotton Belt"

• The United States is one of the top producers of cotton in the world. Within the United States, there is a region known as the "cotton belt," which extends from Texas east to Virginia. The "cotton belt" also includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri. The most important area within the "cotton belt" is the Mississippi alluvial plain, where the climate allows for the highest cotton crop yields and production.

Cotton Growth Around the World

• The United States is not the only country where cotton growth is particularly abundant. China is one of the leading countries in cotton production as well, where growth areas are constantly expanding, and new research is being implemented all the time. Russia also has a high amount of cotton growth thanks to advanced agrotechnical methods, with Uzbekistan being the chief area of cotton production. Other areas where cotton crops can be found are Egypt, Africa, Brazil, India and Mexico, to name a few examples.