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Effect of Foliar Calcium Applications on Cotton Lint Yields

Glen Harris


ABSTRACT

Calcium nutrition is usually supplied to cotton via a good liming program. Recently however, there have been a number of foliar calcium materials made available to the Georgia farmer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar feeding different calcium fertilizers for increasing cotton lint yield. The study was conducted in 2000 and 2001 at the Sunbelt Expo site in Moultrie, GA on a Dothan loamy sand. Six different calcium fertilizers designed for foliar feeding were tested. In 2000, the materials were applied one time (first bloom) at the upper end of the recommended rate. In 2001, multiple applications (three) of each material were made starting at first bloom then at two week intervals. In 2000, there was no statistical significant lint yield response although numerically there was a trend toward increasing yields with all of the materials compared to an untreated check. In 2001, there was no statistical significant yield response to any of the calcium fertilizers when multiple applications were used. In conclusion, there does not appear to be any benefit of using foliar calcium sprays on cotton when adequate soil test calcium levels are maintained through a proper liming program. This study could be repeated where soil test calcium levels are deficient and the cotton crop also shows signs of calcium deficiency. However, these conditions are rarely seen in Georgia.





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Document last modified May 20, 2002