The effect of nitrogen fertilizers on irrigated cotton at the Kimberley Research Station, north-western Australia

Abstract

Three experiments were carried out at Kimberley Research Station, W.A., between 1959 and 1963 to study the effects of rates and times of applying nitrogen fertilizer to irrigated cotton. Nitrogen applications increased yields in all three experiments but the magnitude of response varied. Response to nitrogen was greater after a short dry season fallow between crops than after a long fallow with accompanying soil nitrification. Very high nitrogen applications produced rank plant growth. The rank growth resulted in inefficient mechanical harvesting and the control of Prodenia litura was made difficult. Plant size was reduced by splitting the nitrogen application but yield was not reduced. Nitrogen applications had no effect on quality but reduced lint percentage slightly.