Evaluation of Deep Band Placement of Nitrogen for Cotton Production

M. Wayne Ebelhar and Gordon R. Tupper


 
ABSTRACT

Three years of research were conducted at Stoneville, Mississippi (1985-1987) on Beulah (Typic Dystrochrepts) and Bosket (Mollic Hapludalfs) very fine sandy loam to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen rates (60, 90, and 120 lb N/A) and application systems on the yields of cotton. The three application systems evaluated were: 1) total N applied into the topsoil in a shallow-band, 10 inches to either side of the row; 2) 50% of the total N applied into the topsoil and the other 50% applied as a band into the subsoil to a depth of 14 inches directly under the row; and 3) total N applied into the subsoil to a depth of 14 inches directly beneath the row. The yield results for both seed cotton and lint have varied with the years depending upon the available moisture during individual growing seasons. Yield increases with the application of N into the subsoil resulted where moisture conditions were limited for root growth in the subsoil or nutrient movement through the profile was reduced. When adequate moisture was available in the topsoil, either from rainfall or irrigation, the topsoil application of nitrogen was sufficient. Cotton yields from the systems that involved the combination of topsoil and subsoil applications of N were significantly lower than when subsoil N alone was applied. These results were strongly influenced by the results obtained under irrigated conditions in 1987. Under drought conditions, such as those experienced in 1986 when no irrigation was used, yields from the topsoil plus subsoil treatment alone but not as good as yields form the subsoil treatment alone.



Reprinted from 1988 Proceedings: Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conferences pp. 501 - 504
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

[Main TOC] | [TOC] | [TOC by Section] | [Search] | [Help]
Previous Page [Previous] [Next] Next Page
 
Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998