Integrating drought-tolerant horticultural crops for cotton soil health and erosion control in arid and semiarid regions

Nutrient depletion, water scarcity and soil degradation are the significant challenges in cotton farming. Conventional methods, such as intense tillage operations and mono-cropping systems, deplete soil organic matter and limit microbial activity. Cover cropping has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance soil health in cotton-based agroecosystems, particularly in areas experiencing water scarcity. Integrating drought-tolerant horticultural species as cover crops presents an opportunity to further optimise soil health, promoting sustainability and water conservation in cotton cultivation. Cover crops are a significant input for enhancing soil health, sustainability, and resilience in cotton production systems, as they replenish the soil's organic matter and reduce erosion rates, thereby improving the water-holding capacity of the soil. This review highlights the potential of horticulture covers, including legumes, non-legumes, and herbs, in reducing erosion and enhancing the soil moisture and nitrogen cycle in cotton-based farming. In addition, it also addresses practical considerations, such as the termination date, species selection, feasibility for the grower, and strategies to improve fibre quality and soil health. These strategies significantly impact the sustainable and climate-resilient cultivation of cotton by enhancing the likelihood of long-term production and conservation.