Response of field-grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to phosphorus fertilisation on alkaline soils in eastern Australia
C. G. Dorahy A B C D E , I. J. Rochester A B and G. J. Blair A CA Australian Cotton Cooperative Research Centre.
B Current address: NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 4, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia.
C CSIRO Plant Industry, Locked Bag 59, Narrabri, NSW 2390, Australia.
D School of Rural Science and Natural Resources, The University of New England, NSW 2351, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: chris.dorahy@agric.nsw.gov.au
Australian Journal of Soil Research 42(8) 913-920 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR04037
Submitted: 16 March 2004 Accepted: 23 July 2004 Published: 14 December 2004
Abstract
Abstract. Seventeen field experiments were conducted on alkaline soils in eastern Australia between 1997 and 2000 to evaluate irrigated cotton response to phosphorus (P) fertilisation. Only 3 experiments demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) increases in crop P uptake or lint yield with P application. Comparison of several soil P tests revealed that Colwell (bicarbonate) P provided the best correlation with P uptake at early flowering and lint yield. Soil P may limit cotton growth where Colwell-P concentrations are <6 mg/kg. Soil P concentrations at most of the sites were well above this critical limit, so P fertiliser application was not required. Average P uptake at physiological cut-out and P removal in seed cotton was 21 and 15 kg P/ha, respectively. Apparent P fertiliser recovery was variable (0–67%) and may have contributed to the lack of response that was observed in 14 out of the 17 experiments. It is recommended that at least 40 kg P/ha be applied to soils with Colwell-P concentrations <6 mg/kg to increase soil P reserves. Application rates of at least 20 kg P/ha are recommended where Colwell-P falls between 6 and 12 mg/kg to maintain soil P fertility.
Additional keywords: alkaline soil, available P, bicarbonate P soil test, critical limits, Colwell-P.
Acknowledgments
This work was funded by the Australian Cotton Cooperative Research Centre (Project 5.3.1). We acknowledge support from the many cotton growers, agronomists, and consultants who helped with the field experiments. Dr Chris Dowling, Judi Kenny, Leanne Lisle, Greg Roberts, Dr Bob Murison, Duncan Mackay, and Kate Dorahy, provided technical assistance. We also thank Dr Brian Duggan, Dr P Hocking, and 2 anonymous referees for constructive comments on the manuscript.
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