The effect of starter fertilizers on cotton production in legume residues

Abstract

Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to identify starter fertilizers which would enhance cotton seedling survival, growth, and yield in legume residues. Field studies were initiated in the fall of 1982 on a Norfolk sandy loam (Typic Paleudult) in the Upper Coastal Plain of Alabama. Winter annual legumes, crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) were established as whole plots along with a winter fallow area. Split plot treatments consisted of O, N, P, K, NP, NK, and NPK starter fertilizers. The cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was planted with a conservation tillage planting unit with in‐row subsoilers. The starter fertilizers were applied deep (8 to 10 inches) in the subsoil track. Greenhouse studies were also conducted with soil from whole plot areas top dressed with corresponding legume tissue at a rate of .9 g tissue/500 g soil. Seedlings in the greenhouse were rated for disease and emergence, and dry weights were recorded.

Cotton populations in field studies were lower in legume mulched than fallow soils in 1984. Application of starter fertilizers generally increased harvest populations, particularly the NK combination. In 1983, cotton growth was greater in vetch than other soils, but responses to starter fertilizers varied with analyses and years. Seed cotton yields were consistently high with P starter, although P did not always improve cotton stands and growth. When averaged across years and cover crops, yields were 3151, 3031, 2865, 2790, 2753, 2741, 2512, and 2364 for P, NP, P, NP, K, NPK, N and O, starter treatments respectively.

Greenhouse studies indicated that starter fertilizer improved cotton emergence in legume soils, but decreased emergence in fallow soils. Disease ratings of emerged seedlings were more severe when starter fertilizer was used than when it was not used. Thus, starter fertilizer increased emergence and survival, despite high disease ratings. Cotton seedling growth generally increased when poor emergence reduced cotton seedling competition.

Key words:

• Gossypium hirsutum L.
• Trifolium incarnatum L.
• Vicia villosa Roth
• Rhizoctonia solani