Zoning for cotton crop (Gossypium hirsutum L. r. latifolium) and the best sowing time were studied for identifying suitable areas in Northern Espírito Santo, Brazil. Correct planting time reduces risks of yield loss due to excess or eack of rains and helps optimizing pest and disease control. For determination of planting time and cotton zoning, plant needs were compared to pluviometry, rainy season and environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, topography and information obtained from "Natural Unit Map of North of Espírito Santo". Ten counties presented suitable conditions for cotton cultivation but eight of them were classified as of restricted aptitude due to topography restriction and high relative humidity and only two were classified as of preferential aptitude where optimum conditions for cotton cultivation were found.
cotton; zoning; environmental conditions; Gossypium hirsutum L. r. latifolium
