Abstract
Non-optimal application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production systems often results from a producer’s uncertainty in predicting the N rate that ensures maximum economic return. Residual soil nitrate-N (NO3-N) is also often unaccounted for in fertilizer management decisions. In this study, the lint yield and profitability of two cotton cultivars (FiberMax FM 958 and Deltapine DP 1646 B2XF) were compared across five N fertilizer treatments [0 kg ha−1 (control), 45 kg ha−1 (N-45), 90 kg ha−1 (N-90), 135 kg ha−1 (N-135), 180 kg ha−1 (N-180)] from 2018 to 2020. For both cultivars, additional N fertilizer on top of the control treatment did not increase the lint yield of cotton. For each year, both control and N-45 treatments resulted in the greatest revenue above variable costs (RAVC) values for all cultivars. The improved N partitioning efficiency in newer cultivars and the high levels of residual soil NO3-N allowed sustained plant growth and yield even with reduced N application. Overall, the results show the advantage of reducing N inputs in residual N-rich soils to maintain yield and increase profits. These findings are important in promoting more sustainable agricultural systems through reduced chemical inputs and maintained soil health.
Highlights
Changes in genetics, environment, and management practices are key drivers toward increased cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yields
There was no significant interaction between year and N treatments on lint yield (Table 3; p = 0.41), indicating that lint yield obtained for each growing season were not dependent on the rates of N supplied
Higher residual soil N level in 2020 did not compensate for the yield loss as cotton plants are more sensitive to temperature during boll maturity
Summary
Environment, and management practices are key drivers toward increased cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yields. The adoption of new technologies and optimized management strategies including the implementation of stage-based timing of deficit irrigation applications through subsurface drip irrigation and 4R fertilizer stewardship (application of the right fertilizer source at the right rate, right time, and right place) resulted in increased yields [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15] With these changes, it is likely that the improved yield potential may be associated with increased efficiency of nutrient accumulation and partitioning by newer cotton cultivars, for nitrogen (N) [16]
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