Innovative Nitrogen Fertilizers Effect on Cotton Cultivation

ABSTRACT

Fertilizer enhancement is determined by chemical and physical characteristics, environmental safety, and mechanical stress stabilization, etc. In order to assess the reaction of cotton cultivation to distinct kinds of fertilizer (Agrotain: fertilizers with urease inhibitor versus standard urea) and different nitrogen dressings on chlorophyll content and yield, field studies were performed at two distinct locations (Palamas and Velestino) for 2 years (2014 and 2015). Cotton variety Flora was cultivated using Agrotain (with urease inhibitor) versus standard (urea) fertilizers under various N-dressings (0, 70, 140, and 210 kg ha⁻¹). It was found that plants fertilized with Agrotain obtained higher chlorophyll content and achieved considerably higher yield during the second experimentation year owing to the efficient release and uptake of nitrogen from the plants. The variations between the examined fertilizers may be due to smoother, more stable N-nutrition and greater rates of photosynthesis. Nitrogen Use Efficiency was the same independently fertilization type, reinforcing the hypothesis that Agrotain fertilizers can lead to less N-losses, which is confirmed from the higher Agrotain recovery fraction. Therefore, the application of urease inhibitor fertilizers may decrease N-application and N-losses and it is advisable to introduce them to nutrition situations.

KEYWORDS:

• Urease inhibitor
• nitrogen
• yield
• cotton

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece and the Dim. S. Gavriel & Co LTD.