Optimizing drip irrigation and nitrogen fertilization regimes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase net ecosystem carbon budget and reduce carbon footprint in saline cotton fields

Summary

This field-based study in saline cotton systems demonstrates that tailored drip irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation strategies—optimised for local soil and water conditions—can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the net ecosystem carbon budget relative to standard management practices. The work suggests that precision agriculture approaches offer a viable pathway to lower the carbon intensity of cotton production on marginal, salt-affected soils whilst sustaining yield. The findings contribute evidence for climate-smart management in irrigated commodity crops grown under water and soil stress.

UK applicability

Direct applicability to UK cotton production is minimal, as commercial cotton is not grown at scale in the United Kingdom. However, the principles of optimising drip irrigation and nitrogen timing to reduce emissions may inform precision agriculture practices in UK irrigated horticultural and field crop systems, particularly under projected climate scenarios involving more frequent water stress.

Key measures

Greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O fluxes), net ecosystem carbon budget, carbon footprint (kg CO₂-eq per unit yield), irrigation water applied, nitrogen fertiliser rate, cotton yield, soil electrical conductivity

Outcomes reported

The study measured greenhouse gas emissions (principally CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O), net ecosystem carbon budget, and carbon footprint of cotton production under different drip irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation regimes in salt-affected soils. Productivity and soil salinity status were assessed alongside emissions to determine trade-offs.

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