Nutrient source and cover crop residue management effects on cotton growth and yield

Authors: Kichler, Corey; Watts, Dexter; Torbert Iii, Henry; Kornecki, Ted; PRASAD, RISHI - Auburn University

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/2025
Publication Date: 2/3/2025
Citation: Kichler, C.M., Watts, D.B., Torbert III, H.A., Kornecki, T.S., Prasad, R. 2025. Nutrient source and cover crop residue management effects on cotton growth and yield [abstract]. Southern American Society of Agronomy; Irving, TX, February 2-4, 2025.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: High input costs and low commodity prices are compelling cotton producers to search for ways to sustain profits. Using cover crops and poultry litter are two ways to increase resiliency to adverse weather conditions, improve soil health, and maintain yields in a cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.) system. An experiment was conducted for the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons that managed cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) residue using three different methods, including rolling/crimping (Roll), flail mowing (Mow), and flail mowing plus tillage (MowIncorp). Four different nutrient treatments were also investigated in this experiment and included 101 kg N ha-1 with poultry litter (PL), 67 kg N ha-1 poultry litter plus 33 kg N ha-1 urea ammonium nitrate (PLUAN), 33 kg N ha-1granular fertilizer plus 67 kg N ha-1 urea ammonium nitrate (FERT), and a no-nutrient control (NONE). Results show that nutrient treatments were more influential on cotton growth than residue management techniques. Plant heights, total cotton plant dry weights, and total plant nitrogen content were greater for the FERT treatment compared to other nutrient types in 2022. The FERT and PLUAN treatments were similar in 2023 for cotton height and total plant dry weights, but FERT still had greater total nitrogen content compared to other nutrient types. PL was similar to the PLUAN treatment for cotton height in 2022 along with similarities for total plant dry weight in 2023. Seed cotton yield was similar across treatments receiving nutrients (PL, PLUAN, and FERT) for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, for residue management, yield for the MowIncorp treatment (2299.7 kg ha-1) was significantly less compared to the Roll (3099.1 kg ha-1) and Mow (2893.9 kg ha-1) in 2023. In summary, using poultry litter had lower values for plant growth parameters, but yield was still maintained. Overall, non-tillage residue management and poultry litter can maintain yield in cotton production.