Please wait a minute...
Journal of Integrative Agriculture  2026, Vol. 25 Issue (4): 1316-1329    DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.024
Review Advanced Online Publication | Current Issue | Archive | Adv Search |
Multi-objective integrated cotton cultivation (MOICC): A synergistic framework for sustainable production

Yanjun Zhang1, Jianlong Dai1, Hezhong Dong1, 2# 

1 State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management/Institute of Industrial Crops, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China

2 College of Agronomy, Tarim University, Alar 832003, China

 Highlights 

Propose multi-objective integrated cotton cultivation (MOICC), a novel paradigm that synergistically balances yields, quality, resource-use efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Mechanistically leverages key physiological processes and integrated technologies to achieve concurrent gains in yield, water-use efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction.
Provides a scalable, globally applicable framework for sustainable cotton production, validated through regional case studies across diverse Chinese agro-ecosystems.

Download:  PDF in ScienceDirect  
Export:  BibTeX | EndNote (RIS)      
摘要  全球棉花生产体系正面临日益严峻的挑战,亟需在不断增长的纤维需求与紧迫的可持续发展目标——如缓解水资源短缺、减少温室气体排放及控制农业化学污染——之间实现平衡。传统栽培模式受限于目标单一化产量、纤维品质、劳动效率与生态影响之间的固有权衡,难以应对这些系统性挑战。基于前期提出的协同栽培概念,本文首次系统性地提出并阐述了“棉花多目标协同栽培MOICC,亦称为“协同栽培”)。这一变革性模式以三支柱为核心:动态权衡管理(如基于区域特点的目标优先级动态调整)、系统技术融合(融合精量播种、合理密植、化学调控、水肥协同及高效脱叶等技术)以及资源循环利用(通过时空优化与废弃物回收实现)。MOICC通过调控关键生理机制以突破可持续性瓶颈,主要包括:乙烯信号增强的逆境成苗机制茉莉酸介导的水分与养分协同增效途径冠层光竞争与激素调控耦合实现的免整枝管理;以及生长调节剂驱动的集中成熟机制。基于中国新疆、长江与黄河流域多样化农业生态系统及间作体系的案例研究表明,MOICC能够实现显著的协同增益:产量提升8%-22%;资源利用效率显著改善(水分利用率提升20%以上,氮肥偏生产力可达35 kg kg⁻¹)环境表现全面提升(劳动力投入减少30–40%,碳足迹降低24–37%,化肥与农药用量分别减少15–20%25%)。尤为关键的是,MOICC通过系统集成化优化有效化解了核心矛盾:产量与品质的冲突(依托≥70%的内围铃实现平衡)、省工与生态安全的矛盾(依靠精准脱叶时机实现二者兼顾),以及生产力与排放的权衡(通过根区氮素监测进行调控)。未来研究重点包括:解析多尺度胁迫适应机制开发智能决策支持系统推进全产业链碳中和路径破解社会经济采纳壁垒以及构建协同政策框架MOICC为全球棉花生产提供了一条可扩展的路径旨在协同实现高产、优质、资源高效生态可持续的目标,不仅为产业可持续转型提供了系统性框架,也展现出向其他主要作物体系推广的潜力。




Abstract  

Global cotton production faces mounting pressure to reconcile rising fiber demand with urgent sustainability imperatives, including water scarcity mitigation, greenhouse gas reduction, and agrochemical pollution control.  Traditional practices, constrained by fragmented objectives and inherent trade-offs among yield, fiber quality, labor efficiency, and ecological impact, struggle to address these systemic challenges.  Building upon previous concept of collaborative cultivation, this review for the first time introduces and comprehensively elaborates multi-objective integrated cotton cultivation (MOICC)  - also referred to as integrated cotton cultivation (ICC) - a transformative framework centered on three pillars: dynamic trade-off management (e.g., region-specific priority adjustment), systematic technology integration (precision seeding, dense planting, chemical regulation, water-nutrient synergy, and targeted defoliation), and resource circularity (spatiotemporal optimization and waste recycling).  MOICC overcomes sustainability bottlenecks by leveraging key physiological mechanisms, including ethylene signaling to enhance stress-resilient seedling establishment, jasmonate-mediated pathways to improve water/nutrient efficiency, canopy light competition coupled with hormonal regulation to eliminate manual pruning, and growth regulators to concentrate boll maturation.  Case studies from diverse Chinese agro-ecosystems (e.g., Xinjiang, Yangtze/Yellow River basins) and intercropping systems demonstrate significant synergies: increased yield (8–22%), improved resource efficiency (water use efficiency increased by ≥20%, and nitrogen productivity up to 35 kg kg–1), and enhanced environmental performance (labor reduction of 30–40%, carbon footprint reduction of 24–37%, and agrochemical savings: nitrogen reduction of 15–20% and pesticides reduction of 25%).  Crucially, MOICC resolves core conflicts through integrated optimization: yield vs. quality (via ≥70% inner-position bolls), labor-saving vs. eco-safety (precision defoliant timing), and productivity vs. emissions (root-zone nitrogen monitoring).  Future research priorities include deciphering multi-scale stress adaptation, developing intelligent decision-support systems (e.g., AHP-NSGA-II integration), advancing carbon-neutral value chains, addressing socio-economic adoption barriers, and fostering policy synergy.  Overall, MOICC establishes a conceptually globally scalable pathway toward high-yield, superior-quality, resource-efficient, and ecologically sustainable cotton production, with potential applicability to other major cropping systems.

Keywords:  cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)       multi-objective integrated cultivation       sustainable agriculture       resource-use efficiency       technology synergy  
Received: 09 July 2025   Accepted: 10 November 2025 Online: 15 December 2025  
Fund: 

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32372229), the China Agricultural Research System (CARS-15-15), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2024YFD23006), the Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System of Shandong Province, China (SDAIT-03-01), and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, China (ZR2024MC222).

About author:  Yanjun Zhang, Tel: +86-531-66658187, E-mail: zhangyanjunche@163.com; #Correspondence Hezhong Dong, Tel: +86-531-66659255, E-mail: donghezhong@163.com

Cite this article: 

Yanjun Zhang, Jianlong Dai, Hezhong Dong. 2026. Multi-objective integrated cotton cultivation (MOICC): A synergistic framework for sustainable production. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 25(4): 1316-1329.

Chen Y, Xie C, Dong S, Zhang X, Chen D, Liu Z. 2025. Optimized canopy photosynthetic capacity increases sink/source ratio and yield of high-density cotton sowed after wheat harvest. Industrial Crops & Products234, 121568.

Chi B J, Liu J, Dai J L, Li Z H, Zhang D M, Xu S Z, Nie J J, Wan S M, Li C D, Dong H Z. 2023. Alternate intercropping of cotton and peanut increases productivity by increasing canopy photosynthesis and nutrient uptake under the influence of rhizobacteria. Field Crops Research302, 109059.

Chi B J, Zhang Y J, Zhang D M, Zhang X J, Dai J L, Dong H Z. 2019. Wide-strip intercropping of cotton and peanut combined with strip rotation increases crop productivity and economic returns. Field Crops Researchm243, 107617.

Dai J L, Cui Z P, Zhang Y J, Zhan L J, Nie J J, Cui J Q, Zhang D M, Xu S Z, Sun L, Chen B, Dong H Z. 2024. Enhancing stand establishment and yield formation of cotton with multiple drip irrigation during emergence in saline fields of Southern Xinjiang. Field Crops Research315, 109482.

Dai J L, Kong X Q, Zhang D M, Li W J, Dong H Z. 2017. Technologies and theoretical basis of light and simplified cotton cultivation in China. Field Crops Research214, 142–148.

Dai J L, Li W J, Tang W, Zhang D M, Li Z H, Lu H Q, Eneji A E, Dong H Z. 2015. Manipulation of dry matter accumulation and partitioning with plant density in relation to yield stability of cotton under intensive management. Field Crops Research180, 207–215.

Demeke B W, Rathore L S, Mekonnen M M, Liu W. 2025. Spatiotemporal dynamics of the water footprint and virtual water trade in global cotton production and trade. Cleaner Production Letters7, 100074.

Dong H Z. 2019. Light and Efficient Cultivation with Concentrated Maturation in Cotton. Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)

Dong H Z, Mao S C, Zhang W F, Chen D H. 2014. On boll-setting optimization theory for cotton cultivation and its new development. Scientia Agricultura Sinica47, 441–451. (in Chinese)

Feng L, Chi B J, Dong H Z. 2022. Cotton cultivation technology with Chinese characteristics has driven the 70-year development of cotton production in China. Journal of Integrative Agriculture21, 597–609.

Feng L, Dai J L, Tian L W, Zhang H J, Li W J, Dong H Z. 2017. Review of the technology for high-yielding and efficient cotton cultivation in the northwest inland cotton-growing region of China. Field Crops Research208, 18–26.

Feng L, Wan S M, Zhang Y L, Dong H Z. 2024. Xinjiang cotton: Achieving super-high yield through efficient utilization of light, heat, water, and fertilizer by three generations of cultivation technology systems. Field Crops Research312, 109401.

Huang W B, Wu F Q, Zhang Z G, Meng Y M, Wang J, Li Q Q, Han Y C, Feng L, Li X F, Wang G P, Lei Y P, Fan Z Y, Yang B F, Xiong S W, Xin M H, Li Y B, Wang Z B. 2023. The nitrogen footprint and reactive nitrogen reduction potential of cotton production in China. Journal of Cleaner Production420, 138350.

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). 2022. Climate change 2022: Impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sixth assessment report. [2022-2-28]. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/

Kong X Q, Li X, Lu H Q, Li Z H, Li W J, Zhang Y J, Zhang H, Dong H Z. 2018. Monoseeding improves stand establishment through regulation of apical hook formation and hypocotyl elongation in cotton. Field Crops Research222, 50–58.

Kong X Q, Luo Z, Dong H Z, Eneji A E, Li W J. 2016. HO and ABA signaling are responsible for the increased Na efflux and water uptake in Gossypium hirsutum L. roots in the non-saline side under non-uniform root zone salinity. Journal of Experimental Botany67, 2247–2261.

Kong X Q, Luo Z, Dong H Z, Li W J, Chen Y Z. 2017. Non-uniform salinity in the root zone alleviates salt damage by increasing sodium, water and nutrient transport genes expression in cotton. Scientific Reports7, 2879.

Kong X Q, Zhou J Y, Li X, Liu C M, Chu J F, Zhang H, Dong H Z. 2024. HLS1 promotes apical hook formation by regulating YUCCA8 and GH3.17 expression differently in the inner and outer side of the hook in cotton. Physiologia Plantarum176, e14148.

Li F, Wu Q, Liao B, Yu K, Huo Y, Meng L, Wang S, Wang B, Du M, Tian X, Li Z. 2022. Thidiazuron promotes leaf abscission by regulating the crosstalk complexities between ethylene, auxin, and cytokinin in cotton. International Journal of Molecular Sciences23, 2696.

Li Q, Liu Z, Wang L, Zhang Y, Guo M, Jin W, Hu W, Meng Y, Yang H, Zhou Z. 2025. Enhancement joint fertilization efficacy of straw and nitrogen fertilizer on soil quality and seedcotton yield for sustainable cotton farming. ResourcesEnvironment and Sustainability20, 100218.

Li Q Q, Huang W B, Wang J, Zhang Z G, Li Y B, Han Y C, Feng L, Li X F, Yang B F, Wang G P, Lei Y P, Xiong, S W, Xin M H, Li C D, Wang Z B. 2023. Quantitative evaluation of variation and driving factors of the regional water footprint for cotton production in China. Sustainable Production and Consumption35, 684–696.

Li T, Zhang Y J, Dai J L, Dong H Z, Kong X Q. 2019. High plant density inhibits vegetative branching in cotton by altering hormone contents and photosynthetic production. Field Crops Research230, 121–131.

Li Z, Menefee D, Yang X, Cui S, Rajan N. 2022. Simulating productivity of dryland cotton using APSIM, climate scenario analysis, and remote sensing. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology325, 109148.

Lu H Q, Dai J L, Li W J, Tang W, Zhang D M, Eneji A E, Dong H Z. 2017. Yield and economic benefits of late planted short-season cotton versus full-season cotton relayed with garlic. Field Crops Research200, 80–87.

Luo Z, Kong X Q, Zhang Y J, Li W J, Zhang D M, Dai J L, Fang S, Chu J F, Dong H Z. 2019. Leaf-derived jasmonate mediates water uptake from hydrated cotton roots under partial root-zone irrigation. Plant Physiology180, 1660–1676.

Lv Q Q, Chi B J, He N, Zhang D M, Dai J L, Zhang Y J, Dong H Z. 2023. Cotton-based rotation, intercropping, and alternate intercropping increase yields by improving root-shoot relations. Agronomy13, 413.

Lv Q Q, Dai J L, Ding K D, He N, Li Z H, Zhang D M, Xu S Z, Li C D, Chi B J, Zhang Y J, Dong H Z. 2024. Managing interspecific competition to enhance productivity through selection of soybean varieties and sowing dates in a cotton–soybean intercropping system. Field Crops Research316, 109513.

Lv Q Q, He N, Chi B, Xu S, Li Z, Wang L, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Cui Z, Dai J, Nie J, Zhang Y, Gan Y, Dong H. 2025. Spatiotemporal diversification enables sustainable cotton-soybean production with enhanced yield and reduced emissions. Journal of Cleaner Production527, 146709.

McClelland S C, Bossio D, Gordon D R, Lehmann J, Hayek M N, Ogle S M, Sanderman J, Wood S A, Yang Y, Woolf D. 2025. Managing for climate and production goals on croplands. Nature Climate Change15, 642–649.

Nie J J, Dai J L, Du M W, Zhang Y J, Tian X L, Li Z H, Dong H Z. 2021. New development of modern cotton farming theory and technology in China-concentrated maturation cultivation of cotton. Scientia Agricultura Sinica54, 4286–4298. (in Chinese)

Pan Z L, Zhang Z G, Li J H, Zhang Y P, Zhai M H, Zhao W Q, Wang L Z, Li A, Wang K F, Wang Z B. 2024. A global synthesis of nitrous oxide emissions across cotton-planted soils. Sustainable Production and Consumption51, 315–326.

Pontes R D G, Brandao D N, Usberti F L, De Assis L S. 2024. Multi-objective models for crop rotation planning problems. Agricultural Systems219, 104050.

Qiu S, Zhang Y, Dai J, Dong H. 2025. Physiological mechanisms and agronomic strategies underlying flood tolerance variability in dryland crops: A global meta-analysis. Field Crops Research334, 110146.

Sun Q, Chen S, Sun L, Qiao C, Li X, Wang L. 2024. Calculation and evaluation of cotton lint carbon footprint based on different cotton straw treatment methods: A case study of Northwest China. Journal of Cleaner Production484, 144374.

Vitale G S, Iacuzzi N, Zingale S, Lombardo S, Tuttolomondo T, Guarnaccia P. 2025. Environmental sustainability of cotton: A systematic literature review of life cycle assessments. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research22, 102069.

Wang S C, Chong C X, Huang W B, Guo S M, Wang Y H, Zhang Y P, Pan Z L, Wang J, Li X, Zhao W Q, Zhang Z G, Wang Z B. 2025. Tracing the carbon footprint of cotton garments from seed to garment: Evidence from an empirical study of multiple sites in China. ResourcesConservation & Recycling217, 108200.

Werner A, Werner A, Wieland R, Kersebaum K C, Mirschel W, Ende H P, Wiggering H. 2014. Exante assessment of crop rotations focusing on energy crops using a multi-attribute decision-making method. Ecological Indicators45, 110–122.

Wu F Q, Huang W B, Chen J L, Han Y C, Feng L, Wang G P, LI X F, Li Y B, Wang Z B. 2023. Carbon emission accounting and carbon peak prediction for cotton production in China. Journal of Agro-Environment Science42, 692–704. (in Chinese)

Xiao C, Xu X, Li Y, Zhang F C, Fan H L. 2025. Enhancing cotton field productivity in arid northwest China through improved farm-level nitrogen balance and reduced nitrogen footprint. Field Crops Research327, 109891.

Xiao L, Wang G, Wang E, Liu S, Chang J, Zhang P, Zhou H, Wei Y, Zhang H, Zhu Y, Shi Z, Luo Z. 2024. Spatiotemporal co-optimization of agricultural management. Nature Food5, 210–221.

Yang Y, Yang Y, Han S, Macadam I, Liu D. 2014. Prediction of cotton yield and water demand under climate change and future adaptation measures. Agricultural Water Management144, 42–53.

Yu K K, Liu Y, Gong Z L, Liang Y Y, Du L, Zhang Z H, Li K X, Pang S, Li X Y, Zhang L Z, Tan W M, Du M W, Tian X L, Li Z H. 2022. Chemical topping improves the efficiency of spraying harvest aids using unmanned aerial vehicles in high-density cotton. Field Crops Research283, 108546.

Yu Z H, Yang Y. 2025. Carbon footprint of global cotton production. ResourcesEnvironment and Sustainability20, 100214.

Zhang L F, Liu Y H, Du X. 2013. A discussion on the structure and functions of crop production system. Journal of Agricultural University of Hebei36, 12–16. (in Chinese)

Zhang P, Li L, Fu Q, Du C, Yang A, Sun N, Wang L, Li M. 2025. Balancing soil carbon emissions and productivity in maize agroecosystems through nitrogen, biochar, and straw regulation. Industrial Crops & Products224, 120442.

Zhang Y J, Dai J L, Dong H Z. 2025a. On multi-objective collaborative cultivation in cotton production. Scientia Agricultura Sinica58, 1908–1916. (in Chinese)

Zhang Y J, Liang T, Dong H. 2024. Melatonin enhances waterlogging tolerance of field-grown cotton through quiescence adaptation and compensatory growth strategies. Field Crops Research306, 109217.

Zhang Y J, Liu G Y, Xu S Z, Dai J L, Li W J, Li Z H, Zhang D M, Cui Z P, Li C D, Dong H Z. 2022. Nitric oxide reduces the yield loss of waterlogged cotton by enhancing post-stress compensatory growth. Field Crops Research283, 108524.

Zhang Y J, Qiu S, Liang T, Xu S, Li Z, Cui Z, Dong H. 2025b. Mitigating waterlogging-induced yield loss in cotton through removal of early fruits: Agronomic and physiological mechanisms. Field Crops Research331, 109996.

Zhang Y J, Xu S Z, Liu G Y, Lian T X, Li Z H, Liang T T, Zhang D M, Cui Z P, Zhan L J, Sun L, Nie J J, Dai J L, Li W J, Li C D, Dong H Z. 2023. Ridge intertillage alters rhizosphere bacterial communities and plant physiology to reduce yield loss of waterlogged cotton. Field Crops Research293, 108849.

Zhang Y J, Yuan Y B, Xu S Z, Li Z H, Cui Z P, Zhan L J, Zhang D M, Nie J J, Sun L, Dai J L, Dong H Z. 2025c. Shading-induced canopy cooling alleviates waterlogging damage during flowering by disrupting heat synergism in field-grown cotton. Field Crops Research334, 110166.

Zhang Z G, Huang J, Yao Y, Peters G, Macdonald B, Rosa A D L, Wang Z B, Scherer L. 2023. Environmental impacts of cotton and opportunities for improvement. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment4, 703–715.

Zhao M, Zhou B Y, Ma W, Li C F, Ding Z S, Sun X F. 2019. Theoretical and technical models of quantitative regulation in food crop production system. Acta Agronomica Sinica45, 485–498. (in Chinese)

Zheng S F, Liu X L, Wang W, Xu D Q, Kan H C, Chen M, Li S Y. 2022. On the green and light-simplified and mechanized cultivation of cotton in a cotton-based double cropping system. Acta Agronomica Sinica48, 541–552. (in Chinese)

Zhou H, Chen J, Ding X, Qin Q, Han L. 2025. Future climate change will strengthen cotton production but have substantial environmental costs - A focus on Xinjiang by APSIM modelling. Journal of Cleaner Production491, 144803.

Zhou J Y, Dai J L, Feng L, Zhang Y J, Wan S M, Dong H Z. 2023a. Research progress in theory and technology for modern cotton cultivation in China. Journal of Tarim University35, 1–12. (in Chinese)

Zhou J Y, Hua Z Q, Zhang Y J, Li Z H, Xu S Z, Tian X L, Dong H Z, Li Z H. 2025. Light-hormone crosstalk modulates vegetative branching and yield stability in dual-planting cotton systems. Field Crops Research, 333, 110103.

Zhou J Y, Nie J J, Kong X Q, Dai J L, Zhang Y J, Zhang D M, Cui Z P, Hua Z Q, Li Z H, Dong H Z. 2023b. Cotton yield stability achieved through manipulation of vegetative branching and photoassimilate partitioning under reduced seedling density and double seedlings per hole. Field Crops Research303, 109117.

[1] He Yan, Shuang Chen, Jingkun Zhao, Zhibing Zhang, Lunlun Chen, Renmei Huang, Yongmin Liu, Xiaojun Shi, Yuting Zhang. Dynamic changes in weed abundance and biodiversity following different green manure establishment[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2025, 24(7): 2704-2718.
[2] Mohammad Nauman Khan, Yusheng Li, Yixue Mu, Haider Sultan, Amanullah Baloch, Ismail Din, Chengcheng Fu, Jiaqi Li, Zaid Khan, Sunjeet Kumar, Honghong Wu, Renato Grillo, Lixiao Nie. Recent advances in nano-enabled plant salt tolerance: Methods of application, risk assessment, opportunities and future prospects[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2025, 24(5): 1611-1630.
[3] LU Qi-qi, SONG Yuan-feng, PAN Ke-qing, LI Yun, TANG Ming-xin, ZHONG Guo-hua, LIU Jie. Improved crop protection and biodiversity of the agroecosystem by reduced tillage in rice paddy fields in southern China[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(8): 2345-2356.
[4] Sheng-Han-Erin CHANG, YI Xiao-yan, Johannes SAUER, YIN Chang-bin, LI Fu-duo. Explaining farmers’ reluctance to adopt green manure cover crops planting for sustainable agriculture in Northwest China[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(11): 3382-3394.
[5] Ismet Boz. Effects of environmentally friendly agricultural land protection programs: Evidence from the Lake Seyfe area of Turkey[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2016, 15(8): 1903-1914.
No Suggested Reading articles found!