Effect of Zinc Application Methods on Nutrition Uptake in Cotton

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different zinc application methods on cotton plant nutrient uptake and nutrition content in the soil. The study was conducted at Siirt University Faculty of Agriculture Department of Field Crops experimental area as a randomized complete block design with four replications. Seven different zinc applications were performed (Control, To Soil 200 g da-1, To Soil 400 g da-1, Soil + Leaves at Pre-Squaring Stage, Pre-Squaring Stage + Initial Flowering Stage to Leaves, Pre-Squaring Stage + Pre Flowering Stage + Flowering Stage to Leaves, Pre-Flowering Stage + Flowering Stage to Leaves). According to the results of leaf analysis, it was determined that there were non-significant differences in terms of N, K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu content, but soil analysis after harvest showed that N, K, Ca, Na, Mg and Cu content were affected from different zinc treatments, however, P, Fe, Zn, Mn were not affected from applications. It has been observed that the highest N, P, K, Ca, and Na value in the soil was obtained from zinc applications to the soil + pre- squaring stage to leaf, and the highest Mg and Fe value in the soil was obtained from control. Although there were no significant differences detected between the zinc applications in terms of leaf analysis, it was observed that the highest K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Cu values were obtained from the zinc application of 200 g da-1 to the soil. In the study, it was observed that the highest zinc values in the leaf and soil were obtained from the foliar application of zinc applied before squaring and beginning of flowering. This application can be recommended to increase the zinc content in the soil and leaves.