Upland Cotton Response to Soil and Foliar Applied Potassium Fertilizer, 1991

A single field experiment was conducted near Gila Bend, Arizona in 1991 to evaluate the effects of both soil and foliar applied potassium (K) fertilizersto Upland (Gossvpium hirsutum L.) cotton to a soil testing 315 ppm K (high). Soil applied K fertilizer at rates of 0, 75,150, and 225 lbs. K₂O/acre as K₂SO₄ were broadcast and preplant incorporated before listing. Foliar applications were made in all combinations with the various soil applied K treatments and consisted of four applications of 4.6 lbs. K₂O /acre as KNO₃ (10 lbs. KNO₃ /acre) over the first fruiting cycle, by a ground applicator with approximately 25 gallons per acre as carrier. No differences among treatments were detected by any plant growth measurement taken, plant tissue analyses, lint yield or lint quality determinations which were made over this experiment. Conclusions (preliminary) based upon these results indicate that K fertilization was not warranted under the conditions characterized in this single field experiment