To Evaluate Efficient Use of Nitrogen and Sulphuric Acid Application Towards Increase in Seed Cotton Yield and Soil Health

Abstract

Present study was study at Agronomic Research area BahauddinZakariya University, Multan to evaluate efficient use of nitrogen and sulphuric acid application towards increase in seed cotton yield and soil health during Kharif 2013. Experiment was laid out in split plot arrangement having three replications. Nitrogen levels (N₁= 50 kg ha^-1, N₂=100 kg ha^-1, N₃=150 kg ha^-1) were kept in main plots while sulphuric acid (S₁= 0 kg ha^-1, S₂= 125 kg ha^-1, S₃= 250 kg ha^-1 and S₄= 375 kg ha^-1) was randomized in sub plots respectively.Statistical analysis of the data also revealed that maximumLAI, CGR, NAR, plant height (127.22 cm), matured bolls per plant (47.68), mean boll weight (2.94 g), seed cotton yield (3.11 t ha^-1), biological yield (26.81 t ha^-1) and soil organic matter (5.58%) was noted from the plots fertilized with 150 kg N ha^-1. Analysis of the data recorded from the sulfuric acid treatments showed that maximum LAI, CGR, NAR, average boll weight (3.02 g), seed cotton yield (3.13 t ha^-1), biological yield (27.16 t ha^-1) and changes in soil pH (5.26%) was noted from the plots which were supplied of 375 Kg ha^-1 sulfuric acid. From the above results, it is concluded the nitrogen rate N­₃­ (150 kg ha^-1) with 375 kg ha^-1 H₂SO₄ is recommended for achieving higher yield of cotton under the agro-ecological conditions of Multan.

Keywords:  Nitrogen, Cotton, Yields, sulfuric acid