Cotton response to foliar potassium application in South Texas dryland

Authors: KOMMINENI, VARSHITH - South Dakota State University; Bhandari, Ammar; SCHUSTER, GRETA - Texas A&M University; NELSON, SHAD - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Agronomy
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/17/2024
Publication Date: 10/19/2024
Citation: Kommineni, V., Bhandari, A.B., Schuster, G., Nelson, S.D. 2024. Cotton response to foliar potassium application in South Texas dryland. Agronomy. 14(10):2422. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102422.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102422

Interpretive Summary: Cotton is an important fiber crop, with most of its production concentrated in 17 southern US states, including Texas. Texas accounts for approximately 40% of the total production in the United States. Potassium (K) is a crucial macronutrient for optimal crop growth and yield. Field studies that quantify the effect of foliar K application on cotton yield and quality on soils are limited. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of foliar K fertilizer rates on plant height, canopy, yield, and fiber quality in rainfed production systems in the South Texas dryland. The foliar K application improved cotton yield and lint quality during dry years. The average lint yield was 32% greater in 2020 compared to 2021, and the seed yield was 27% greater in 2020 compared to 2021. Cotton variety significantly affected color grade, uniformity, staple length, Col, RD, and Col-b in 2020 and 2021, indicating that variety selection is a critical factor influencing cotton quality. The results suggest that the foliar K application can enhance cotton production and be a feasible option for improving cotton yield and quality in rainfed production systems. The study also highlights the importance of tailoring K management strategies to the specific variety, soil fertility levels, and climatic conditions to optimize cotton growth, yield, and fiber quality. The findings will help researchers and stakeholders reevaluate the current K fertilization strategies, K application methods, and the variety selection in rainfed farming systems.

Technical Abstract: Potassium (K) deficiency is a common problem in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growing areas. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of different rates of foliar K fertilizer application on three cotton varieties, NG 5711 B3XF (V1), PHY 480 W3FE (V2), and FM 1953GLTP (V3). Granular K fertilizer was dissolved in water and was foliar applied at 34, 50, and 67 kg ha-1. Plant height (PH) and canopy throughout the growing season. The results showed that applying foliar K fertilizers significantly impacted the cotton PH and canopy. Although insignificant, the cotton lint yield increased by 15% and 20% with 30 and 50 kg ha-1 in 2020 and by 9% and 7% with 50 and 67 kg ha-1 in 2021, indicating the potential for improved lint yield with foliar K application in rainfed production systems. Similarly, variety V3 had significantly greater lint and seed yields than did V1 in 2020. The average lint yield among the varieties was 32%, and the seed yield was 27% greater in 2020 than in 2021. The cotton fiber color grade was significantly greater at 50 kg ha-1 in 2020 and 67 kg ha-1 in 2021. Cotton variety significantly affected color grade, uniformity, staple-length, Col, RD, and Col-b contents in both 2020 and 2021. The findings of this study suggest that the foliar K application can enhance cotton production in rainfed production systems. However, more research is needed to quantify varietal and foliar K application rates to improve cotton yield and quality.