Nutrition for high-yielding cotton

Dr Greg Constable and Dr Ian Rochester of CSIRO Plant Industry in Narrabri advise that high cotton yields depend on optimum plant size, at least 60 per cent retention of flower buds as bolls, and large bolls.

Most growing regions require row closure to ensure adequate ground cover and at least 12 fruiting branches per plant to ensure good yield potential.

If high boll retention occurs, changes to nutrient management, depending on expected maturity and yield, are necessary.

Where crops mature earlier, nutrients must be taken up at a greater rate over a shorter time period to ensure yield is not compromised, so additional fertiliser may be required.

Similarly, where higher yields are anticipated, a greater total fertiliser input may be required.

CSIRO Plant Industry has shown that on average the retention of bolls in Bollgard® II cotton is similar to conventional cotton, so there is no need to change fertiliser management of Bollgard® II cotton crops to maintain yield.

Another consideration for growers is that soil quality affects nutrient uptake, so soil type and condition need to be considered in any fertiliser program.

Efficient use of fertiliser is at least as important as fertiliser rate, emphasising how good soil management is a key component of crop nutrition.

For cotton growing advice contact the Cotton CRC's Technology Resource Centre on 02 6799 1534.

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