Upland and Pima Cotton Response to Banded Fertilizer Applications, 1990

Two field experiments were established in Arizona in 1990 to evaluate the effects of banded phosphorus (P) fertilizer on cotton. Experiments involved both Upland (Gossvpium ltirsutum, L.) and American Pima (Q. barbadense L.). Banded applications of P fertilizerwere made with placement of the concentrated band of fertilizer 6 in. below and 3-6 in. to the side of the zone of seed placement. The P₂O₅ was supplied from 10-34-0. Rates of applied P ranged from 0 to 160 lb P₂O₅ /acre. In one experiment, treatments consisting of 5 to 10 lbs. Zn/acre were included in all possible combinations with the P₂O₅ treatments. In all cases, treatments in the field were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plant measurements for plant height, flower numbers per unit area, number of mainstem nodes, and nodes to the first fruiting branch were initiated by the fifth true leaf stage to evaluate plant response in terms of growth and development. Plant tissue samples were also taken at several stages of growth from each experiment throughout the growing season. Tissue samples consisted of petioles from the uppermost fully - developed leaves. Petioles were analyzed for extractable PO₄-P. Lint yield measurements also were taken. No statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found among any treatments for any of the plant growth parameters. The same was true with regard to petiole PO₄-P levels measured. No significant differences were detected among Upland or Pima cotton lint yields in response to the applications of P fertilizers