ABSTRACT
Three field studies were conducted in 1990 to evaluate the effects of broiler litter on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth and development. Soils included a Decatur silt loam (Rhodic Paleudult), Hartsells fine sandy loam (Typic Hapudult), and Bewleyville silt loam (Rhypic Paleudult). In all studies, 2, 3, and 4 tons ac-1 of broiler litter were compared to 0, 60, and 120 lbs N ac-1 as ammonium nitrate. In one of the studies the growth regulator, PIX, was also evaluated. Cotton yields were greatly affected by dry, hot weather from mid July until September. Cotton treated with broiler litter was growing well at all locations before dry weather occurred. Height and node measurements indicated that litter treated cotton was growing slightly faster than commercial N fertilizer treated cotton. No detrimental affects on cotton growth were found with litter additions and no additional weed pressure was noted. At all sites, the two ton broiler litter ac 1 produced equal yields when compared to commercial N fertilizer treatments. Increasing rates of broiler litter beyond 2 ton ac-1 did not further increase yields. Cotton yield response to PIX applications was variable. The highest broiler litter rate plus PIX produced the highest seed cotton yield; however, lower litter rates plus PIX produced slightly lower yields compared to litter rates without PIX application. Cotton leaf concentration at midbloom of N, Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn were similar for cotton treated or untreated with broiler litter. However, extremely low leaf K concentrations of less than 1 per cent were found at two sites with all treatments. It appears that broiler litter application to cotton has potential, especially on soils where inadequate stalk size is obtained. Cotton response to broiler litter in a wet season and the residual effects of litter still need evaluation.
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