37. Supplemental application of phosphorus improves yield, quality and net returns of Gossypium hirsutum

Abstract

Cotton is a white gold due to its high economic values. Phosphorus is an important constituent that is essential for seed development and yield. Efficient use of phosphorus plays a significant role to achieve quality production in form of yield to overcome the problems. A field study comprised of four phosphorus levels viz. (P₀= 0 kgha^-1, P₁ =50 kgha^-1, P₂ =100 kg ha^-1 P₃ =150 kg ha^-1) and cultivars viz CIM-598, MNH-886, CIM-616, CIM-612, FH-LALAZAR during 2015 and 2016. Application of phosphorous significantly improved quality and yield in terms of plant height (161.33 cm), bolls number plant^-1 (31.667), number of nodes plant^-1 (49.000), boll weight (2.200 g), seed cotton harvest (3481.3 %), seed cotton yield (2928.3 kg ha^-1), seed lint yield (56.667 kg ha^-1), biological yield (0.960 kg ha^-1), and ginning out turn (0.0227 %). Significant increase was observed for leaf area index (0.980 m^-2), crop growth rate (1.416 g m^-2 day^-1), net assimilation rate (1.480 g m^-2 day^-1), leaf area duration (871.33), phosphorus concentration (0.270), fiber uniformity (70.667), staple length (47.500 mm), fiber strength (33.500 tppsi) and micronair (5.166 µg inch^-1). Phosphorus spray of 150 kg ha^-1 is more suitable for greater cotton production.

Keywords: Cotton; Cotton quality; Economic benefits; Fiber uniformity; Phosphorus

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90274