CONVENTIONAL

ORGANIC

• Typically treats seed with fungicidesinsecticides. and
• Uses GMO seed for approximately 70% of US-grown cotton.

• Uses untreated seeds.
• Never uses GMO seeds.

CONVENTIONAL

ORGANIC

• Applies synthetic fertilizers.
• Loss of soil due to predominantly mono-crop culture.
• Requires intensive irrigation.

• Builds strong soil through crop rotation.
• Retains water more efficiently thanks to increased organic matter in the soil.

CONVENTIONAL

ORGANIC

• Applies herbicides to soil to inhibit weed germination.
• Repeatedly uses herbicides to kill weeds that do grow.

• Physical removal rather than chemical destruction.
• Controls weeds through cultivation and hand hoeing.

CONVENTIONAL

ORGANIC

• Uses insecticides heavily, accounting for approximately 25% of world consumption.
• Uses pesticides: the nine most common are highly toxic; five are probably carcinogens.
• Frequently uses aerial spraying, with potential drift onto farm workers, neighboring wildlife and communities.

• Maintains a balance between "pests" and their natural predators through healthy soil.
• Uses beneficial insects, biological and cultural practices to control pests.
• May use trap crops, planted to lure insects away from the cotton.

CONVENTIONAL

ORGANIC

• Defoliates with chemicals.

• Relies mostly on the seasonal freeze for defoliation.
• May stimulate defoliation through water management.