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Effects of Sulfur Application Rates and Foliar Zinc Fertilization on Cotton Lint Yields and Qualities
Author(s) -
Yin Xinhua,
Gwathmey Owen,
Main Christopher,
Johnson Amy
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj2011.0166
Subject(s) - lint , agronomy , nutrient , sulfur , sowing , fiber crop , field experiment , human fertilization , zinc , malvaceae , gossypium , gossypium hirsutum , chemistry , soil water , horticulture , biology , ecology , organic chemistry
Sulfur deficiencies have increasingly occurred in crops due to declined use of S‐bearing fertilizers and reduced atmospheric S deposition. A field trial was conducted on an S‐ and Zn‐deficient soil at Jackson, TN in 2007–2010, to evaluate cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and fiber quality responses to S and Zn applications. Sulfur treatments of 0, 11, 22, and 34 kg S ha −1 were broadcast before planting. Zinc treatments of 0 and 0.29 kg Zn ha −1 were foliar applied at matchhead square. Soil S levels were increased by applying 34 kg S ha −1 in 3 out of 4 yr. Leaf S concentrations were increased by S applications. Application of 22 or 34 kg S ha −1 increased lint yields by 8 to 9% and micronaire by 4 to 5% averaged over the three normal growing seasons (2008–2010). Foliar Zn treatments had no significant effect on leaf Zn levels or lint yields and quality. A container‐grown cotton trial was also conducted to study effects of S deficiency on yield components. Plants were fed nutrient solutions with high or low S concentrations. The low S treatment reduced leaf S concentration but tended to increase leaf concentrations of other nutrients. Seedcotton per plant was reduced by S deficiency in 3 of 4 yr, with fewer bolls per plant and fewer locules per boll. Results indicate that application of 22 to 34 kg S ha −1 may be beneficial for no‐till cotton on soils testing low for S in Tennessee and similar environments.