Effects of starter fertilizers applied 2 x 2 at planting were evaluated over a four year period on no-till cotton production on the loess-derived soils of West Tennessee. A Loring silt loam at Milan, Tennessee, was used for four years and a Loring silt loam at Ames Plantation was used for one year in this investigation. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with treatments reolicated five times. The cultivar, Stoneville 825, was planted each year. In 1985, eight treatments were evaluated the number of treatments were expanded to ten in 1986. Fertilizers were applied at planting. All but two treatments had equal rates of 60 lb/A N, 30 lb/A P₂O₅, and 30 lb/A K₂O applied either broadcast or a combination of broadcast plus banding 2 x 2 at planting. Two treatments had a total of 30 lb/A N plus 30 lb/A of both P₂O₅ and K₂O applied broadcast or a combination of broadcast or a combination of broadcast plus banding. Banded treatments included 15-0-0, 30-0-0, 15-7.5-0, 15-15-0, 15-30-0, 30-15-0, and 15-15-5 lbs of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O, respectively. Ammonium nitrate, concentrated superphosphate, and muriate of potash were the broadcast fertilizer materials; UAN, 11-37-0 and 0-0-64 were banded materials.

Yields varied by year, treatment, and location. Yields from one or more banded treatments significantly increased yields when compared with the broadcast application method except in 1987. In 1985 yields averaged 750 lb/A lint. Banding 15-0-0 and is 15-15-0 resulted in 159 and 102 lb/A higher lint yields, respectively, when compared with the broadcast applications. Yields averaged 1165 lb/A lint in 1986. Banding 30-0-0 and 15-15-0 resulted in 186 and 183 lb/A higher lint yields, respectively, when compared with the broadcast application method. In 1987, yields averaged 1356 lbs/A lint but yield differences due to placement were not observed. The average yield at Milan in 1988 was 1016 lb/A lint with the 15-30-0 banded treatment yielding 116 lb/A more lint than the broadcast application method. The 1988 average yield at Ames was 773 lb/A with the 15-15-0 banded treatment yielding 125 lb/A more lint than the broadcast application method.

Dryer than normal weather conditions in 1987 and 1988 may have affected fertilizer placement. Cotton was planted and treatments applied to a hot dry seed bed in 1987. The dry weather in late May and June may also have affected treatment effects during 1988.