1. EFFECT OF MID-SEASON FOLIAR NUTRIENTS UPON COTTON YIELD AND LINT QUALITY IN WESTERN KANSAS.
- Author
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Shafer, Gary
- Abstract
The article focuses on the effect of mid-season foliar nutrients upon cotton yield and lint quality in western Kansas. Its objective was to reduce fruit abortion, thus increasing the average number of boils per plant and yield. It also observes any effects upon boll maturity and/or lint quality. Being on the northern edge of cotton producing regions, earliness is of major importance. As a relatively new crop for this geographic area of western Kansas, specific production challenges and management practices are being explored. Five irrigated circles were included in the article. The north circle to the south circle is about 14 miles distance, and east to west is approximately 6 miles. Crop variability was quite noticeable, partly due to early insect infestation resulting in no early fruit set. Major fruit abortion from nutritional deficiencies did not take place until mid-August. Weed pressure (pigweed) was severe in some areas of all of the fields, despite herbicide being applied up to six times. Bollworm pressure was somewhat high during August, and there was noticeable fruit loss in all fields. While boll set was increased, boll weight was not increased with the control bolls averaging 4.875 grams per boll and the foliar bolls averaging 4.842 grams. Based upon observation, it is felt that the cool September weather did not allow many of the later bolls to properly mature.
- Published
- 2004