Transplantation of Cotton Seedlings on Nutriblocs

In Cote d'Ivoire, the density of cotton plants obtained at harvest varies between 45,000 and 55,000 plants/ha. This low density is explained by the failure of reseeding. The objective of transplanting is to improve plant density at harvest by replacing reseeding with transplants. The transplanting technique consists of transposing plants previously prepared in a nursery into the cultivation plot. Transplanting requires two specific tools: a cylinder to make nutriblocks and a "planter" to make holes. The substrate for making nutriblocks is a well-mixed mixture of black soil and fertiliser or mineral fertiliser (NPK). The seedling nursery is formed by placing the sown nutriblocks close together. The nursery is set up under a shelter to protect it from heavy rain and strong sunlight. The nursery is sown 2 to 3 weeks before the planned sowing date of the crop plot. The nursery is watered every day or every other day. Transplanting should be done 7-10 days after emergence in the cultivation plot. With the planter, holes are dug in which the nutriblocks are placed.