Various studies have demonstrated the importance of potassium fertilization on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Yield and fiber quality. Three levels of pre-plant, split soil applied and foliar applied K were compared to a control receiving no K on DPL-50 at two locations in Virginia. Yield, boll counts and HVI quality parameters were measured for each treatment.

Adding K by any method tended to increase lint yield, (P < . 09), and total number of bolls per 15 feet of row (P < .06) compared with the untreated control. Split application of K linearly increased boll numbers per plant (P < .07) and a similar trend was observed for foliar application of KNO₃. Fiber quality, particularly fiber length and micronaire were increased (P < .08) by single soil applied K. Although not significant a similar trend was observed for foliar KNO₃ treatments. Similar results have been obtained by other researchers.