ABSTRACT

Nitrogen (N) fertilization of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) affects yield, maturity, and lint quality. Cotton's response to N fertilization varies with climate, soil, topography, cultivar and management of the producer. Optimum N is essential to maximize yield and improve fiber quality, while excessive or deficient N applications may reduce lint yields (Maples and Keogh, 1971). A high N application rate may produce excessive vegetation, delay maturity and harvest, and may reduce yields and affect lint quality due to early frost or prolonged fall rain (Hutchinson et al., 1995; McConnell et al., 1995). On the other hand, applying a low N rate causes premature leaf senescence and reduced yields (McConnell et al., 1995). The optimum N rate for production on a field may differ from the recommended rate due to differences in soil and producer management skills. Traditionally, producers tend to apply a higher N rate than is recommended to compensate for possible N losses, poor fertilizer distribution, etc.