Performance of cotton under different spacings and fertilizer levels on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics in high density planting system
G Hemalatha, U Nagabhushanam, G Veeranna and Ch Ramulu
Adopting a high-density planting system in cotton cultivation has resulted in increased yields compared to traditional methods. Despite the clear benefits, farmers face various challenges throughout the cultivation process, from sowing to harvesting. However, selecting appropriate plant spacings, fertilizer levels and implementing tailored cultivation techniques can significantly enhance productivity. A field experiment entitled “Performance of cotton under different spacings and fertilizer levels in High Density Planting System” was carried out during kharif, 2023 on sandy loam soil at Siddapur Research Farm, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal to examine the effects of various spacings and fertilizer levels on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and profitability within high density planting system. The study used the factorial concept with three replications. Twelve treatment combinations were taken with three levels of plant spacings (S1: 80 x 20 cm; 62,500 plants ha-1, S2: 90 x 15 cm;74,074 plants ha-1, S3: 90 x 60 cm;18,518 plants ha-1) and four fertilizer levels (F1: 100% RDF, F2: 125% RDF, F3:100% RDF + Microbial consortia, F4: Control (no fertilizers) in factor II. The results revealed that higher plant height, more number of sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls m-2, seed cotton yield (kg ha-1) and higher profits were obtained with the spacing 90 x 15 cm (74,074 plants ha-1). Among the different levels of fertilizer, 125% RDF recorded highest plant height, number of monopodial and sympodial branches per plant, no. of bolls m-2 and seed cotton yield (2362 kg ha-1) and higher returns. Nutrient uptake (kg ha-1) was higher significantly in closer spacing 90 x 15 cm compared to other spacings and higher in the treatment with 125% RDF with respect to fertilizer levels.
G Hemalatha, U Nagabhushanam, G Veeranna, Ch Ramulu. Performance of cotton under different spacings and fertilizer levels on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics in high density planting system. Int J Res Agron 2024;7(9S):860-866. DOI: 10.33545/2618060X.2024.v7.i9Sl.1622