Canopy structure of different cotton ( <i>Gossypium hirsutum</i> L.) cultivars: Studying the distribution patterns of water and light impacting the leaf area index, biomass distribution, and yield components

Abstract This study aimed to elucidate how canopy architecture influences the distribution and utilization of soil moisture and light, with the ultimate goal of improving cotton yield performance under different environmental conditions. This study, conducted over 2 years (2020–2021) at the Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China, evaluated six Gossypium hirsutum L. (Upland cotton) varieties (T‐0, Ji228, SCRC28, TQ‐1, CCRI50, and CCRI60) using a randomized complete block design. The investigation focused on patterns of soil moisture and light distribution across different canopy architectures to identify traits associated with high yield performance. Soil moisture was monitored using sensor grids, while light interception (LI) and leaf area index (LAI) were measured throughout the growing season across six cotton cultivars. Loose‐type varieties such as Ji228 and SCRC28 exhibited higher LAI values (up to 4.23), greater vegetative biomass (up to 11,063.98 kg hm −2 ), and higher LI (ranging from 0.54 to 0.85). Soil moisture was mainly utilized in the 20‐ to 60‐cm depth, with losses in the 0–20 cm and 60–80 cm layers. Ji228 and SCRC28 achieved the highest seed cotton yields in both years. Canopy structure significantly affects water and light distribution, influencing biomass accumulation and yield. Loose‐type varieties, particularly Ji228 and SCRC28, demonstrated superior performance, indicating their adaptability and potential for higher yield under diverse environmental conditions.