Research was conducted in 1989 and 19990 at Holly Springs, MS to determine plant available N in loessial soils and compare the growth response of Stoneville 825 and DES 119 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to rates of preplant fertilizer N. Average N content in cotton plants with no fertilizer N was 64 lb N/A at first open boll. Stoneville 825 cotton grew tall than DES 119 cotton but contained the same amount of N. Less than 20% of the fertilizer N was taken up by cotton plants. In 1990, lack of rainfall caused severe water stress. In 1989, most of the N at first open boll was in seed and burrs. In the absence of a heavy fruit load, much of the N stayed in the stayed in the stems and leaves in 1990. Averaged across varieties and N rates, 24% of the total N was in the litter in 1990 as compared to 13% in 1989. Cotton yields were not affected significantly by varieties or N rates on a Grenada silt loam in 1989 and 1990. The most profitable N rate for cotton on a Loring silt loam soil was 100 lb N/A.