The Effects of Trisiloxane and Polyhydroxycarboxylic Acids (PHCA) on Reducing the Water Footprint in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Cultivation

Cotton is one of the most important industrial crops produced worldwide. However, in our country as well as in many others, cotton cultivation requires a substantial amount of water. Nowadays, in addition to improving cotton quality, reducing the water footprint during cultivation has become a major priority. This study focused on reducing the water footprint in cotton cultivation by utilizing Trisiloxane and Polyhydroxycarboxylic Acids (PHCAs). Two main experimental groups were established: the first group received 100% irrigation, and the second group received 75% irrigation.Each group included four sub-treatments: 0 L/da (control), 0.5 L/da, 1 L/da, and 2 L/da of Trisiloxane + PHCA. The experiment was conducted in controlled climate chambers maintained at 25 °C, with constant light and humidity conditions.At the end of the experiment, growth parameters of the potted cotton plants were measured. Trisiloxane facilitated water spreading in the soil, while PHCAs enhanced nutrient uptake by the roots. As a result, the combined use of Trisiloxane and PHCAs reduced the water footprint by 25%, demonstrating significant efficiency in optimizing water usage in cotton cultivation.