Cotton Farmers Research Articles

Systematical characterization of Rab7 gene family in Gossypium and potential functions of GhRab7B3-A gene in drought tolerance

BackgroundCotton serves as a primary source of natural fibers crucial for the textile industry. However, environmental elements such as drought have posed challenges to cotton cultivation, resulting in adverse impacts on both production and fiber quality. Improving cotton’s resilience to drought could mitigate yield losses and foster the expansion of cotton farming. Rab7 protein, widely present in organisms, controls the degradation and recycling of cargo, and has a potential role in biotic and abiotic tolerance. However, comprehensive exploration of the Rab7 gene family in Gossypium remains scarce.ResultsHerein, we identified a total of 10, 10, 20, and 20 Rab7 genes through genome-wide analysis in Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium barbadense, respectively. Collinearity analysis unveiled the pivotal role of whole genome or segmental duplication events in the expansion of GhRab7s. Study of gene architecture, conserved protein motifs, and domains suggested the conservation of structure and function throughout evolution. Exploration of cis-regulatory elements revealed the responsiveness of GhRab7 genes to abiotic stress, corroborated by transcriptome analysis under diverse environmental stresses. Notably, the greatly induced expression of GhRab7B3-A under drought treatment prompted us to investigate its function through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. Silencing GhRab7B3-A led to exacerbated dehydration and wilting compared with the control. Additionally, inhibition of stomatal closure, antioxidant enzyme activities and expression patterns of genes responsive to abiotic stress were observed in GhRab7B3-A silenced plants.ConclusionsThis study sheds light on Rab7 members in cotton, identifies a gene linked to drought stress, and paves the way for additional investigation of Rab7 genes associated with drought stress tolerance.

Digitalization of cotton farming in the municipality of Banikoara in Northwestern Benin

The widespread use of mobile telephony and the internet constitutes an asset for digitalization in the agricultural sectors in Africa. Cotton being the leading export crop in Benin, this study aims to understand the determinants of the adoption of digitalization (use of digital machines, membership of a social network for information exchange, use of a mobile money account) by cotton producers in the municipality of Banikoara. In this context, a socio-economic survey was carried out with a sample of 314 producers, obtained by purposive sampling. The binary logistic regression method made it possible to identify the factors affecting the adoption of digitalization. Thus, the level of banking, the use of labor, the area of cotton sown and knowledge of agricultural information and exchange platforms had a significant impact on the use of digital machines in agriculture. Membership of a social network for information exchange between producers was influenced by the level of banking, the type of cotton grown, the strengthening of relationships with others, the risk linked to the use of digitalization and the assessment of the level of security of digitization by the producers. Finally, the level of banking, the exercise of a secondary activity and the use of labor were the significant variables in the adoption of mobile money by cotton farmers in Banikoara. However, the use of more advanced technologies such as drones and sensors was not yet a reality for these producers. This information is very useful for any project to popularize and promote these new technologies in the modernization of agriculture.

Evaluating the Influence of Legume and Cereal Intercropping on Bt Cotton Traits in Rainfed Conditions

This study investigates how various intercropping systems involving cereals and legumes affect the phenotypic characteristics of Bt cotton. Understanding that intercropping can improve agricultural sustainability and production, we grew Bt cotton alongside various cereal and leguminous crops in several field tests. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cotton based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions on important phenotypic characteristics of cotton, including dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and boll weight in black calcareous soil under rainfed conditions. The experiment conducted at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat during kharif 2022-23 and 2023-24 with randomized block design with fifteen treatments, involving sole and intercropping systems of groundnut, sunflower, pearl millet, maize and soybean with cotton in 1:1 row proportion. According to our research, intercropping legumes like green gram, black gram and groundnut significantly improved cotton phenotypic characteristics as compare to other intercropping systems by increasing soil fertility and lowering insect burden. Dry matter per plant at 60, 90 DAS, at harvest and average boll weight were found significantly higher under sole cotton except 30 DAS during both the years of experimentation and in pooled results. Among different intercropping systems, the cotton + green gram (T14) intercropping recorded the highest dry matter, CGR and average boll weight while the lowest was recorded with the cotton + maize (T12) intercropping system. Overall, the findings show that while cereal-based systems necessitate careful management to balance competition and resource consumption, incorporating legumes into Bt cotton agriculture can provide significant agronomic benefits, including higher growth and yield. This study emphasises how crucial it is to choose the right intercrops in order to maximise the productivity and efficiency of Bt cotton systems.

The adoption of cotton combine services and farm technical efficiency: evidence from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

PurposeThis study examines the adoption of cotton combine services and its impact on farm technical efficiency in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The research aims to determine whether mechanisation influences productivity and economic output at the farm level.Design/methodology/approachUsing farm-level data from 511 cotton growers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan collected in 2019, this study employs stochastic frontier analysis to measure potential output and technical inefficiency among cotton farmers. The analysis includes a translog functional form to account for the use of cotton combine services and other farming variables.FindingsThe findings indicate that while mechanisation through cotton combines can potentially increase technical efficiency by optimising the harvesting process, the benefits are not uniformly experienced across all farms. Variations in farm characteristics, such as labour availability and existing agricultural practices, influence the efficiency of technology adoption. Institutional factors and historical legacies also play a significant role in the adoption and impact of mechanisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on cross-sectional data from 2019, and the findings may not capture longer-term trends or recent developments in mechanisation policies in the study countries.Originality/valueThis research provides a nuanced understanding of the conditions under which cotton combine services enhance or hinder technical efficiency. It highlights the necessity for carefully tailored policies for mechanisation, especially in Uzbekistan, where rural labour is abundant and predominantly female. The study contributes to the broader discourse on agricultural mechanisation in developing countries by focusing on the specific context of Central Asia.

Evaluation of Effects of Cotton Growing on the Environment and the Population in the Koutiala Circle

Since 1960, cotton cultivation has experienced considerable expansion in the Koutiala district of Mali. This expansion has not been without consequences on people’s health and natural resources in terms of soil, water and natural vegetation. Based on the analysis of satellite images and a socio-economic survey of production unit chiefs, this study highlights the degradation of soils, biological diversity, population health, and pollution of groundwater and surface water. To reduce these effects, the adoption of good agroecological practices, the organic cotton farming, the reduction of the use of chemicals, and the sustainable management of water and soil are becoming a necessity to ensure sustainable management of environmental resources and the preservation of the livelihoods of local producers.

Mechanization in Cotton Farming: Addressing Labor Shortages and Enhancing Productivity in India

Cotton is a globally significant crop, playing a vital role in both the agricultural and industrial economy. Cotton is a crucial raw material for the textile and apparel industries, driving international trade and commerce. Its global demand influences market dynamics, trade policies, and economies worldwide. The cotton industry provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in developing countries, from farming to manufacturing, making it a key source of employment globally. In India, approximately 59% of the raw material for India's textile industry comes from cotton. However, cotton cultivation is challenged by lower yields and high costs associated with various operations such as sowing, weed management, pest control, and harvesting. Mechanization significantly improves cotton yield and profitability by enhancing efficiency, reducing labor, and enabling the cultivation of larger areas with better resource utilization. Precision tools like seed-cum-fertilizer drills and mechanized planters ensure optimal seed placement and spacing, boosting plant health and yield potential. Additionally, mechanized harvesting reduces labor costs, minimizes harvest losses, and ensures better-quality cotton, leading to higher market returns and overall profitability. The innovative concept of High Density Planting Systems (HDPS) shows great potential for improving yields, particularly in rainfed cotton. This system involves planting five to ten plants per square meter, which enhances yield and is compatible with mechanized operations for seeding, weeding, pest management, and harvesting. The key objective of using improved sowing equipment is to achieve precise seed distribution within the row, facilitating operations like weeding and fertilizing at predetermined distances and depths. Proper seed placement by planters is critical to achieving optimal germination. Implementing efficient mechanical weeders could motivate small-scale farmers, boosting production and reducing poverty. A power weeder, a mechanized tool commonly used for preparing soil beds, offers significant savings in time, labor, and fuel. Furthermore, the adoption of mechanical cotton pickers would help ensure timely harvesting operations, increasing yields and contributing to higher cotton production. India’s low cotton productivity can be attributed to the limited adoption of modern agronomic practices and the low level of mechanization. Embracing these innovations could lead to significant improvements in the cotton sector Cotton pickers and strippers play a vital role in modern, large-scale cotton cultivation by significantly reducing harvesting time and labor costs, making them indispensable for efficient operations. These machines increase productivity by enabling faster harvesting across larger areas, minimizing the reliance on manual labor, which can be costly and scarce. Additionally, they reduce harvest losses and enhance yield by ensuring more cotton is collected with minimal waste. Cotton pickers, being gentler, help preserve fiber quality, while strippers are ideal for bulk harvesting in regions growing lower-grade cotton. Overall, mechanized harvesting ensures timely and efficient cotton collection, improving both yield and quality.

Does Insurance Knowledge and Loss Experience Influence the Adoption of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana? Insights from Cotton Farmers in Tamil Nadu, India

Does Insurance Knowledge and Loss Experience Influence the Adoption of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana? Insights from Cotton Farmers in Tamil Nadu, India

Comparison of Yield and Cost Data of Cotton Crop Production During 2019 and 2020 in Baluchistan

The study was carried out through a primary as well as secondary data collection from several stakeholders to examine the average position of cotton production, average per acre cost of production, physical and income productivity, economic profit, input output ratio, problems and constraints, faced by cotton farmers and to recommend policy measures for maintainable cotton production and marketing in study area. Statistics examines were performed by retaining the descriptive figures as well as standard economic methods. A mixture of qualitative and measurable methodical procedures such as cost of production, market limits, regression analysis, cross tabulation analysis were carried out. The study was carry out in Lasbella, Sibi, Noshki, Turbat, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar districts in Balochistan. The data were gathered from 77 farmers of cotton growers and collected material was related to cotton production in Kharif 2019 and 2020. Majority of cotton growers were small land holders and age was 48.33 years. The average seed rate was 10.50kgs/acre and purchasing price was Rs.344.33/kg during 2019 & 2020 correspondingly. The budget of production was Rs.91762.50 and total revenue was Rs. 192297.5 per acre in 2020 respectively. The average profit/net income of cotton growers received was Rs. 100535 and Rs.95225.77 per acre in 2020 and 2019 respectively.

Socio-economic advantages and climate adaptation in sustainable vs. conventional cotton: evidence from Pakistan

Two groups of cotton growers participated in this study; the first, referred as “conventional cotton producers” (CCPs), continues to use traditional techniques. The second group, known as sustainable cotton producers (SCPs), adheres to practices that are socially acceptable, economically feasible, and environment friendly. This study was designed to undertake a thorough socio-economic analysis of CCP and SCP in terms of cost of production, yield, and adaptations for climate change. The data were collected from a total of 275 farming households (138 SCPs and 137 CCPs) from two districts, namely, Bahawalpur and Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the benefit–cost ratio (BCR), paired sampled t-test, and log–log regression model in SPSS. The results of the study revealed that the cost of production for SCP was significantly less than CCP and the value of BCR for SCP is higher than CCP. The results of the study also revealed that the land preparation costs, irrigation costs, and fertilizer and pesticide costs decrease the cotton yield of CCP, while land area owned and picking costs showed no significant influence on the yield of CCP. On the other hand, all cost items except fertilizer cost have a positive impact on CCP’s cotton yield. The results also indicated that SCP farmers adopted more of adaptation practices for climate change than CCP. This study concluded that SCP has significant advantages over CCP. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should prioritize incentives for SCP adoption to enhance yield and environmental sustainability in cotton farming.

Comparative economics of Tricho-card beneficiary and non- beneficiary cotton farmers in Nagpur district

Comparative economics of Tricho-card beneficiary and non- beneficiary cotton farmers in Nagpur district

Determinants of Farmers' Awareness and Perspectives on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Southern Tamil Nadu, India

Farmers in India face numerous risks that significantly impact their crop production, highlighting the need for effective crop insurance. Recognizing the limitations of the existing crop insurance system, the Government of India initiated the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) during the Kharif 2016 season. This scheme offers competitive premiums and favourable terms, yet coverage of farmers remains low. This study investigates the factors influencing the farmers’ awareness and perceptions of the PMFBY scheme. The survey was conducted to collect primary data from 350 cotton farmers in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Findings reveal that while farmers have partial awareness of various aspects of crop insurance, they are generally informed about premiums and procedural requirements. The probit model analysis identifies that education, organizational membership, mass media exposure, and extension contacts have a positive influence on farmers' awareness levels. However, negative perceptions persist, particularly concerning delayed claims, inadequate compensation, and high premium rates. This study recommends the implementation of government-led awareness programs designed to educate and cultivate greater awareness among farmers regarding crop insurance and its benefits. Such initiatives could enhance demand for crop insurance to mitigate the adverse impacts and ensure greater sustainability of farmers' livelihoods.

Adoption of Sustainable Cotton Farming Practices: A Pathway to Eco-Friendly Agriculture

Cotton is one of the key cash crops in Pakistan, significantly contributing to the economy and supporting the livelihoods of the farming community. However, this promising sector faces major threats from global warming and climate change. A study was conducted in District Muzaffargarh to assess the adoption of sustainable cotton farming practices. This area was chosen as it is a major cotton-producing region in Pakistan. A total of 270 cotton growers were randomly selected for data collection. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Additionally, five focus group discussions were conducted to gather qualitative insights. The results revealed that a limited number of cotton varieties were cultivated in the region, with SS, CKC, IUB, BS, and NIAB being the most common. An overwhelming majority of the farmers had cotton fields of up to 5 acres. Hand sowing was the most common planting method. Among water stewardship practices, irrigation after weather forecasts, cleaning of watersheds, and reduced use of flood irrigation were prevalent. In terms of soil improvement practices, foliar spraying, soil analysis, reduced pesticide usage, and reliance on farmyard manure were widely adopted. Regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, rotavating crop residue, proper disposal of cotton sticks, the use of recommended pesticide doses, and the application of appropriate active ingredients were the most common practices.

Sustainable cotton farming trends: Leveraging natural resource survey insights for U.S. cotton production

Cotton cultivation in the United States is relevant globally, with the nation ranking among the top producers and exporters. This study examines conservation practice adoption trends and technological advancements in U.S. cotton production, focusing on sustainability and productivity. Efforts to improve cotton farming practices have reduced its environmental impacts, including decreased soil loss, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. Precision agriculture technologies have been instrumental in enhancing efficiency and reducing input costs, albeit with varying degrees of success. To gain deeper insights into cotton grower challenges and needs, a Natural Resource Survey was conducted in 2023 with 753 respondents. As a follow-up to the 2008 and 2015 surveys, the insights from this survey provide valuable data on grower practices and priorities, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on cotton production. The findings underscore the importance of conservation agriculture and ongoing research to address grower concerns while improving production efficiency. Particularly noteworthy are the outcomes indicating an increase in cover crop adoption and a decrease in tillage practices, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics shaping the U.S. cotton industry and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities for continual improvement in U.S. cotton cultivation.

Assessing Farmers’ Perceptions of Best Management Practices: An Exploration of the Viewpoints of Cotton and Peanut Farmers in Georgia using Q Methodology

Assessing Farmers’ Perceptions of Best Management Practices: An Exploration of the Viewpoints of Cotton and Peanut Farmers in Georgia using Q Methodology

Performance and Sustainability of Organic and Conventional Cotton Farming Systems in Egypt: An Environmental and Energy Assessment

Cotton cultivation is resource-intensive, posing significant environmental challenges, especially with conventional farming methods. Growing interest in sustainable agriculture drives the exploration of organic farming as a potential alternative with lower environmental impacts. Despite its benefits, organic farming often faces criticism for lower crop yields, sparking debates on the trade-offs between productivity and environmental impact. This study hypothesizes that organic cotton farming will have a smaller environmental footprint and higher energy efficiency compared to conventional methods. To test this hypothesis, a cradle-to-farm gate energy analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) were conducted on both organic and conventional seed cotton production systems in the Beheira governorate of Egypt. The ReCiPe 2016 midpoint and endpoint characterization model was used for an environmental impact assessment. The impacts were evaluated using two functional units: one ton of seed cotton and one hectare of cultivated cotton. The findings revealed that organic cotton outperforms conventional cotton in net energy gain, efficiency, and profitability, with higher productivity and lower energy intensity. Regardless of the functional unit used (mass- or land-based), the assessed organic systems generally show a better environmental performance than the conventional systems in the local context, even when accounting for data uncertainty. This is due to lower input intensity and the use of less energy-intensive organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers. Fertilization and irrigation are key factors influencing environmental impacts, with fertilization affecting midpoint impacts and irrigation affecting endpoint impacts. Therefore, precision fertilization, efficient irrigation practices, and effective nutrient and soil moisture management are recommended to minimize environmental impacts. Subsequent studies could explore whether similar patterns are observed in different geographic regions and evaluate additional social and economic aspects of cotton sustainability beyond environmental impacts. Future agricultural LCAs should use both mass-based and area-based functional units to capture a broader range of environmental effects and evaluate the co-benefits and trade-offs between organic and conventional practices.

Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase GhCDPK16 Exerts a Positive Regulatory Role in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Cotton.

Cotton is essential for the textile industry as a primary source of natural fibers. However, environmental factors like drought present significant challenges to its cultivation, adversely affecting both production levels and fiber quality. Enhancing cotton's drought resilience has the potential to reduce yield losses and support the growth of cotton farming. In this study, the cotton calcium-dependent protein kinase GhCDPK16 was characterized, and the transcription level of GhCDPK16 was significantly upregulated under drought and various stress-related hormone treatments. Physiological analyses revealed that the overexpression of GhCDPK16 improved drought stress resistance in Arabidopsis by enhancing osmotic adjustment capacity and boosting antioxidant enzyme activities. In contrast, silencing GhCDPK16 in cotton resulted in increased dehydration compared with the control. Furthermore, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities and downregulation of ABA-related genes were observed in GhCDPK16-silenced plants. These findings not only enhanced our understanding of the biological functions of GhCDPK16 and the mechanisms underlying drought stress resistance but also underscored the considerable potential of GhCDPK16 in improving drought resilience in cotton.

Evaluating the Impacts of Integrated Pest Management Techniques on Cotton Crop for Cost-effectiveness as Recommended by Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India

Since cotton is a major crop grown for commercial purposes in the Vidarbha region, Dr. PDKV Akola conducted and recommended the current study, which has several goals, including determining the extent to which recommended technology has been adopted in cotton production, examining input utilization in cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, calculating the cost-effectiveness and profitability of cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, and analyzing the barriers to technology adoption. The districts of Akola and Buldhana in Maharashtra State's Vidarbha area served as the study's locations. Three tahasils—Akola, Akot, and Sangrampur—were chosen from these districts, and 120 farmers were chosen from these villages, namely Varvat Khanderao, Khiroda, Sangrampur, Rambhapur, Mandala, Kinkhed Purna, and Khambora. The primary data, which cover the years 2022–2023, were gathered using a straightforward random sample technique. As a result of input usage, the group with a high adoption level utilized the most human labor. All three categories had seed rates, resistant variety usage at the indicated level, and sowing times that were closer to the recommended level. Farmyard manure, at 30.68 quintals per hectare, is most commonly used in the high adopter category. This is followed by medium adopters (16.80 q/ha) and low adopters (14.05 q/ha). The results of applying fertilizer (NPK) indicate that more was applied in all three categories at the recommended level. The highest per hectare yield, 16.64 quintals, was recorded by the high adopter group, followed by 14.01 quintals for the medium adopter group, and 12.71 quintals for the low adopter group. The net returns at Costs "A1," "B2," and "C2" were in the high adopter category, with amounts of Rs. 76557.94/-, Rs. 59781.64/-, and Rs. 50163.47/-. For low, medium, and high adopters, the input-output ratios at cost "A1" were 1.95, 2.05, and 2.27, respectively, but the input-output ratios at cost "C2" were 1.36, 1.43, and 1.58 for these same adopters. High adopter farmers saved Rs. 599.58 and Rs. 854.32/-per quintal at Costs "A1" and "C2" as a result of the per unit cost decrease. IPM technology was discovered to make cotton farming profitable because it reduced the cost of plant protection measures while simultaneously increasing yield. As a result, all cotton growers need to employ IPM technology more widely.

Growth, yield, and fiber quality of cotton plants under drought stress are positively affected by seed priming with potassium nitrate

Growth, productivity, and fiber quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a vital fiber-producing cash crop, are severely affected under drought conditions. Seed priming has a proven role in enhancing crop tolerance to abiotic stress, including drought. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of seed priming with KNO3 on cotton productivity and fiber quality under drought stress. A germination experiment was established under laboratory conditions with five treatments of seed priming (non-primed or control treatment, hydropriming, and priming with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g KNO3 L−1). Another experiment under polyhouse conditions based on the same seed priming treatments was conducted under three levels of soil water contents (field capacity [FC] 100%: FC100, 75%: FC75, and 50%: FC50). The results obtained showed that there was a clear reduction in the different parameters tested at FC50 in comparison to FC100 (39–54%, 32–44%, 6–12%, and 7–12% reduction for boll number per plant, seed cotton yield, fiber strength, and leaf relative water content, respectively, across all priming treatments). Seed priming with KNO3 at 5 g L−1 effectively alleviated the detrimental effects originated from drought stress and caused 61–73%, 13–16%, and 16–23% increase in seed cotton yield, fiber length, and fiber strength, respectively, across soil moisture levels when compared with the control treatment. The same KNO3 dose caused an increase of 78% in water productivity in comparison to the control plants at FC50. Priming cotton seeds with 5 g KNO3 L−1 holds promise to obtain synchronized germination, enhance fiber quality, and increase yield, especially under water-limited conditions, thereby promoting economic viability and environmental sustainability. Additionally, this practice enhances water productivity, leading to significant water savings and reduced irrigation costs for cotton farmers. This method could be used as potential technology in advancing sustainable agriculture in water-constraint conditions.

Integrating rainfall index-based insurance with optimal crop management strategies can reduce financial risks for Australian dryland cotton farmers

Drought undermines the financial sustainability of farmers. While farmers have adopted various strategies to mitigate some drought impacts, they remain exposed to substantial drought risk. Insurance could be useful in managing climatic risks and for encouraging farmers to take sensible risks (e.g., changing their sowing date to increase yield), but it can be costly. Here, we tested whether the integration of a change in sowing date with rainfall index-based insurance could improve farmer profitability and income stability. We used the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM)-Cotton model to simulate cotton lint yields for various sowing dates, taking into account different management strategies, across three dry-land cotton research farm sites – Dalby, Goondiwindi, and Theodore – from 1940 to 2022. We designed the index-based insurance payout when the average rainfall received during the growing season falls below a predefined level, such as the 5th, 10th, or 20th percentile of rainfall. Our study, which involved 3.9 million cotton lint simulations and 3,000 rainfall index-based insurance products, showed that combining a shift in sowing date with insurance can lead to an income improvement of up to 21.5% at some study sites. Additionally, in drought years, the income improvement for farmers who combined optimal sowing dates with rainfall index-based insurance was up to 48.0%. The framework developed in this study could aid in devising financial strategies to enhance farming resilience during climate extremes.

Approaching soil health from a practitioner perspective – Placing practices before indicators for Australian cotton and other producers

AbstractSoil health, how it is defined and characterized, has long been a topic of debate, but its importance has never been in doubt. The FAO has provided a unifying definition of what soil health is, but uncertainty remains as to how it will be measured. While finding suitable soil health indicators remains challenging, there is growing pressure from external drivers on land managers to demonstrate they are valuing their soil health. With these issues in mind, the Australian cotton industry developed a soil health framework with the potential to address both competing demands. Taking a lead from the human health management, which focuses on prevention through promotion of adoptable healthy activity principles, and incorporating principles from the existing soil frameworks, we conceived one that is relevant to Australian cotton farmers. The outcome promotes beneficial but non‐prescriptive land management practices, which have mechanisms in place to financially reward growers for adoption and facilitates industry monitoring. The Soil Health Framework, also has potential for other agricultural sectors and represents a solution to the current impasse over soil health assessment.