.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Evolving cotton cultivation in Xinjiang: balancing high yield with environmental sustainability
.png){kind=icon}
OA
AI
Y
D
H
DOI：10.1186/s42397-026-00275-z.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
Cotton yields in Xinjiang, China, have soared through three generations of cultivation technology centered on plastic film mulching. While this technological intensification has been successful, it has also led to a severe residual plastic film (RPF) pollution crisis. Rather than simply contrasting the productivity-oriented perspective of Feng et al. with the pollution-oriented perspective of Zhou et al., this comment proposes a forward-looking conceptual framework for a “fourth-generation” cotton cultivation system in Xinjiang, in which high productivity is coordinated with environmental sustainability, resource-use efficiency, and economic feasibility. We argue that, although RPF accumulation is a serious and growing concern, its field-scale dynamics and yield effects may be more management-dependent than a simple linear accumulation narrative implies. The future lies in a multi-objective approach, necessitating a fourth-generation system that integrates smart biodegradable mulches, digital agriculture, and circular economy principles for synergistic productivity, sustainability, and economic viability.
AI Summary
Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.
Journal
J
IF:
2.4
Papers:
237
Citations:
477
Organization
Cited Papers