Nutrient Management In Cotton Farming – Organic, Inorganic And Methods Of Fertilization

This article includes information on inorganic, organic fertilizers used by cotton farmers. Learn the right method of application of fertilizers. 

Table of content

Nutrient management in Cotton farming – Organic, Inorganic and Methods of fertilization

Best fertilizers for cotton farmers

Organic fertilizers

FYM

NPK

Biofertilizer

Liquid fertilizers

Using fertilizers on cotton farms

FAQs

1. What is integrated nutrients management by cotton farmers?
2. What is the use of micronutrients in cotton cultivation?
3. What do cotton farmers suggest other nutrients?

Cotton fertilizers – best fertilizers for a cotton farming  

Cotton is a commercial crop growing worldwide with a high demand rate. Cotton farmers say if fertilizers are food packed with nutrients for soil, it maximizes the seed development, overall plant health, increase in nutrients and soil quality along with increase in  fertility. 

The cotton crop requires a constant supply of nutrients and irrigation. Organic fertilizers & bio fertilizers are coupled up with irrigation water. Let’s read about them in-depth.

Best fertilizers for cotton farming

• Organic fertilizers

Fusing organic fertilizers before sowing the cotton seeds helps increase soil fertility, After planting  another round of fertilizers promotes organic growth and inculcates nitrogen into the ground for best results. 

• FYM

Farmyard manure and compost are  backbone for organic development like soil fertility and provide essential nutrients in cotton cultivation.

Mixing 5 kg of biofertilizer  in 10 liters of water + 4 – 5 tonnes of farmyard manure per acre and applying it into the soil within 15-20 days before sowing helps in  increasing the health of the soil. 

• NPK

Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium combine and balance soil nutrition levels and contribute to cotton development. It works as essential and major nutrients in the soil for plant growth and development of cotton. 

Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers  along with the irrigation water will  collectively promote plant growth, soil aeration, soil nutrient content and in turn improves the overall crop growth and soil health.

• Biofertilizer

Bio-fertilizers directly support the growth of microorganisms in the soil and implement the nutrients in the field — adding bio-fertilizers increases microbial activity in soil, soil health and crop yield. 

Bio fertilizers help in soil health and  implement fertility. It increases the  nutrient content in soil and growth level by 25-30% compared to inorganic  fertilizers. Bio- fertilizers are eco friendly and also increase soil and crop health.

• Liquid fertilizers

After planting cotton, fertigation is given to boost nutrient  supply and promote crop  growth. Cow urine, Jeevamrut, enriched manures, vermi wash are also given along with irrigation, which in turn provides quick nutrient supply to crops.

Use of inorganic fertilizers in cotton

Based on the farm soil analysis report, the recommendations for inorganic fertilizers are given as follows. The general recommendation for cotton is 50:30:35 kg of N:P:K per acre. 

The application of fertilizers can be done in three stages, i.e The  critical stages of the crop, like leaf initiation stage, flowering stage and boll initiation stage.  

FAQs

Q1. What is integrated nutrients management ?

Ans. Integrated nutrient management is using a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers for increasing crop growth and yield. INM is maintaining a balanced and integrated soil fertility and supplying the optimum nutrient required by crop in order to increase crop productivity.

Q2. What is the use of micronutrients in cotton cultivation?

Ans. The micronutrients play a vital role in crop growth till harvesting. Micronutrients are applied to prevent flower drop in cotton crops. Application of Boron and Magnesium during flowering and boll opening stage will result in a good yield of the crop

Q3. Which fertilizer is best for cotton?

Ans. FYM at the rate of 4 to 5 tons/acre should be applied during land preparation and during the critical stages, the fertilizer dose of 100:50:50 (NPK) kg/acre for irrigated cotton; 80 :40:40 (NPK) kg/acre for rainfed cotton hybrids and 50:30:35 kg NPK /acre for summer season is recommended.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.