ABSTRACT

Humic substances have been reported to improve plant growth and nutrient uptake. In the current economic climate, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producers are searching for ways to maximize yields while reducing production costs. A possible option is to use amendments, such as humic acids products, for improving fertilizer efficiency. One such amendment is Hydra-Hume™. Hydra-Hume™ is Helena's proprietary product, which is manufactured and marketed to add humus-derived organic acids to inorganic fertilizer and nutrient mixes. The objective of this project was to assess the effects of various fertilizer and Hydra-Hume™ treatments on cotton nutrient status and yield. The yield produced by the Recommended Fertilizer Rates was significantly different from the yield of the Untreated Control at only 3 of 5 locations. Furthermore, the yield produced by the Recommended Fertilizer Rates was significantly different from the yield of the Half Recommended Rates at only 2 of 6 locations. These results suggest that N was generally not limiting in most sites used in this study. Overall, there was no yield increase due solely to the use of Hydra-Hume products under the conditions of this study. However, since there was little response to N, Hydra-Hume™ effects would not be expected at most sites under the conditions of this study. The similarity in yields between the recommended and half recommended N rates suggests that nutrient management in cotton needs to be re-evaluated.