Abstract
Nutrients imbalance particularly nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) is a major constraint for sustainable cotton production. Thus, we hypothesized that the combined application of N and Zn may increase N and Zn availability and enhance cotton productivity due to the synergistic effect between these nutrients. Therefore, the present field study was carried out for two consecutive years to explore the interactive effects of different N rates (N0 = 0, N1 = 120, N2 = 160, and N3 = 200 kg ha−1) and Zn rates (Zn0 = 0, Zn1 = 5 and Zn2 = 10 kg ha−1) on soil available N and Zn, and growth and yield traits of the cotton crop. The results indicated a linear increase in the soil available N and Zn and all the studied traits of the cotton crop with the progressive increase in N and Zn rates until 160 kg ha−1 N and 10 kg ha−1 Zn. The cotton crop showed the maximum seed cotton yield (3337–3368 kg ha−1) and total dry matter (9916–9988 kg ha−1) with the simultaneous application of 160 kg ha−1 N and 10 kg ha−1 Zn, which was attributed to higher growth, morphophysiological and yield traits in this treatment during both years. The findings of the study suggest that the application of 160 kg ha−1 N in combination with 10 kg ha−1 Zn is the best fertilizer management for increasing N and Zn availability and achieving higher seed cotton yield of cotton crop.
Published Version
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