Impacts of Spacing and Fertilization on the Productivity and Sustainability of Agroecological Cotton in an Agroforestry System in Mato Grosso

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the productivity of agroecological cotton within an Agroforestry System, focusing on the efficiency of different plant spacings and fertilization types. The experiment was conducted from February to July 2024 at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, located in Santo Antônio de Leverger, MT, Brazil. A randomized block design was applied with eight treatments and six replications, totaling 48 plots; however, this study concentrated on four treatments related to animal waste-based fertilization in cotton cultivation. Results indicated that a plant spacing of 0.30 m x 0.80 m between rows and plants yielded the highest production, with an adaptation to a 1.10 m inter-row spacing to facilitate mechanical weeding. This research aims to provide technological and economic references to promote sustainable agriculture in the Baixada Cuiabana region, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agronomic practices for conserving natural resources and supporting the inclusion of small-scale family farmers.