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Evaluating CoRoN™ based Nutritional Systems for Cotton Production

Michael M. Kenty, James M. Thomas, Donald D. Howard, J.C. Banks, Shane Osborne, Charlie Burmester, Normie Buehring, Robert R. Dobbs, Mark P. Harrison, Jim Camberato, Chism Craig, David Dunn, William E. Stevens, Keith Edminsten, Glen Harris, Merrit Holman, John Matocha, J. Scott McConnell, A.M. Stewart, and Bill Weir

ABSTRACT

Nutrient management plans (NMP) continue to be discussed at many levels within state and federal agencies. Row crop producers will soon be mandated to implement NMPs on their farms. Some states already have implemented NMP for producers in certain watersheds. The cost of implementation of a NMP plus the increased cost of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production due to increased costs of inputs, especially nitrogen (N), necessitates efficient nutrient management for production. To stay profitable cotton producers may need to change from the traditional soil fertility program to an integrated system consisting of soil and foliar applied nutrients.

Producers and researchers have questioned increased cotton yields from supplemental foliar fertilization of N and K. This skepticism is justified since yield responses in certain areas have been either non-existent or very small. Several factors may be listed that may restrict yields from foliar applications. These factors include, source of foliar materials applied, poor growth conditions following application, late application timing (several weeks after flowering), the deficiency of plant N or K levels were not determined, and/or a deficiency of other nutrients. Howard et al. (1998) showed a yield response to foliar applying K to no-till with no response to foliar N on a low extractable K soil. In other research, Howard et al. (1997) reported a yield increase to foliar N when K was not a yield-limiting factor. Oosterhuis (1999)reported that although foliar N and/or K have been widely used to supplement soil applied fertilizer in cotton the major disadvantage is relative to the physical properties rather than the ineffectiveness of the foliar fertilizer product. Kenty et al. (2002) showed higher lint yields from foliar applying N and K on certain locations relative to only foliar N.

Nutrient monitoring paired with plant mapping allows producers and crop advisors to make sound decisions regarding the nutrient status and subsequent yield potential of the crop. The ability to monitor nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) levels throughout the growing season allows deficiencies to be detected and corrected, improving the possibility of achieving optimal yields. Petiole analysis is available to the producer through university and independent labs as a tool to monitor crop nutrient levels during the growing season. A common problem of traditional lab analysis is the time lag between submitting the materials to the lab and receiving the results which in many instances may have a negative impact on yield potential. Kenty et al (2003) determined the Cardy portable electrode-based NO3-N and K ion meters (Horiba, Ltd., Kyoto, Japan) were an effective tool for producers and crop advisors to quickly evaluate crop N and K levels relative to growing conditions.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of HM9754 (an organic acid) and CoRoN (10-0-10, 0.5% B) on cotton production when fertilized at two N rates for cotton produced through out the cotton belt.





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Document last modified 04/27/04