Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth and Yield Performance of Kharif Cotton
M. P. Ramani *
Medicinal and Aromatics Plants Research Station, AAU, Anand, Gujarat, India.
A. S. Bhanvadia
Bidi Tobacco Research Station, AAU, Anand, Gujarat, India.
V. J. Patel
Main Maize Research Station, AAU, Anand, Gujarat, India.
K. V. Patel
Medicinal and Aromatics Plants Research Station, AAU, Anand, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Cotton productivity is strongly influenced by nutrient management practices, particularly the balanced application of nitrogen and sulphur. A two-year field experiment was conducted during 2022–23 and 2023–24 at the Regional Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen sources and sulphur levels on the growth, yield, and yield attributes of kharif cotton. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design with five nitrogen-management treatments and three sulphur levels, resulting in 15 treatment combinations, each replicated three times. The nitrogen treatments included 100% of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), partial substitution of RDN with farmyard manure (FYM), neem cake, and biofertiliser combinations. Sulphur was applied at 0, 20, and 40 kg/ha.
The results indicated that nitrogen significantly influenced growth parameters, including plant height and the numbers of monopodial and sympodial branches, and yield attributes, such as the number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield. The treatment comprising 75% RDN + 25% FYM consistently produced superior growth and yield and was statistically at par with 75% RDN + 25% neem cake. Sulphur application significantly improved crop performance, with 40 kg S/ha recording the maximum values for most parameters, followed closely by 20 kg S/ha. The interaction between nitrogen and sulphur was significant for seed cotton yield, with the highest yield recorded under the combined application of 75% RDN + 25% FYM and 40 kg S/ha. The study highlights the importance of integrated nutrient management involving organic and inorganic sources for achieving higher productivity in kharif cotton under semi-arid conditions.
Keywords: Cotton, nitrogen management, sulphur fertilisation, farmyard manure, integrated nutrient management, seed cotton yield, yield attributes