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PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE

Agronomic and Economic Analyses of Cotton Starter Fertilizers

^a Univ. of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA 31793 USA
^b Univ. of Georgia, Rural Development Center, P.O. Box 1209, Tifton, GA 31793 USA

cbednarz{at}tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu

None of the published literature has focused on the response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to various starter fertilizer sources. This study was conducted to determine (1) if cotton grown on Coastal Plain soils in South Georgia would respond to different starter fertilizer sources and (2) if use of starter fertilizers would result in an economic gain. Experiments were conducted in 1997 and 1998 at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton on a Tifton loamy sand (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults), the Southeast Georgia Branch Station in Midville on a Dothan loamy sand (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults), and the Southwest Branch Experiment Station in Plains on a Greenville sandy clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults). Five starter fertilizer sources were applied 5 cm to the side of and 5 cm below the seed drill at planting in each study. Total shoot N and Ca were increased in two of the six studies with starter fertilizers. Likewise, plant height, leaf area index, and shoot dry weight was increased with starter fertilizers in two of the six studies. With the exception of micronaire, starter fertilizers did not significantly influence the fiber properties investigated. Differences in fiber properties did result in small differences in cotton price premiums or discounts. Lint yields were significantly increased with starter fertilizers at Midville and Plains in 1997, when the crop was exposed to an extended period of cool weather immediately after planting. The most appropriate cotton starter fertilizer appeared to depend on soil type.

Abbreviations: DAP, days after planting • LAI, leaf area index