Abstract  [Aim]  The ecological service value of different “green” and efficient cotton planting modes was evaluated based on their ecological security. [Methods]  Eight planting modes, cotton mono-cropping with pesticides (CK), cotton mono-cropping without pesticides (CM), rotation of garlic-cotton with pesticides (SH1), rotation of garlic-cotton without pesticides (SH2), rotation of wheat-cotton with pesticides (MH1), rotation of wheat-cotton without pesticides (MH2), cotton and garlic intercropping with pesticides (ST1) and cotton and garlic intercropping without pesticides (ST2) were compared using a randomized experimental design in cotton fields in Jinxiang and Shan County in 2020. [Results]  Compared to CK, the SH1 and SH2 planting modes had the most significant effects on the abundance of both pests and their natural enemies. There was no significant difference between these two treatments but SH2 had the highest species richness. In terms of total input and output, SH1 (1 729.04 yuan/0.20 hm²) and SH2 (1 727.74 yuan/0.20 hm²) had the highest economic benefit and were significantly increased by 6.9-fold in comparison with CK. Comprehensive evaluation of all factors using a radar map indicates that, compared to the other treatments, the rotation of garlic and cotton crops conferred a significant advantage. [Conclusion]  From the perspective of “green” and sustainable development, the rotation of garlic and cotton crops is an excellent planting mode for traditional cotton growing areas in the Yellow River Basin. These results provide both theoretical and technical support for developing efficient and environmentally-friendly cotton production in China.