Nitrogen Management Experiments For Upland and Pima Cotton, 2000

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted in Arizona in 2000 at two locations (Maricopa and Marana). The Maricopa experiment has been conducted for nine consecutive seasons; the Marana site was initiated in 1994. The purposes of the experiments were to validate and refine nitrogen (N) fertilization recommendations for Upland cotton. The experiments each utilized N management tools such as pre-season soil tests for NO₃⁻-N, in-season plant tissue testing (petioles) for N fertility status, and crop monitoring to ascertain crop fruiting patterns and crop N needs. At each location, treatments varied from a conservative to a more aggressive approach of N management. Results at each location revealed a strong relationship between the crop fruit retention levels and N needs for the crop. This pattern was further reflected in final yield analysis as a response to the N fertilization regimes used. The higher, more aggressive, N application regimes did not benefit yields at any location. In 2000, fruit retention levels were good and crop vigor was not excessive. The more conservative, feedback approach to N management provided optimum yields at both locations.