As one of the most important cash crops, cotton fertilization is a crucial part of its growth cycle. Appropriate fertilization not only ensures healthy cotton growth but also improves yield and quality. The following details fertilization methods and precautions for cotton at various stages of growth.
- Application of Basal Fertilizer
Basal fertilizer is a foundational fertilizer applied to the soil before cotton planting. Its primary purpose is to provide a sustained and stable supply of nutrients for cotton growth. It is generally applied before sowing or transplanting. The type and amount of basal fertilizer should be considered based on factors such as soil fertility, cotton variety, and expected yield.
When selecting basal fertilizer, a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is recommended. Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter and trace elements, which improve soil structure and fertility. Inorganic fertilizers quickly provide macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for cotton growth. When applying basal fertilizer, spread the fertilizer evenly on the soil surface and then deeply till it into the soil to thoroughly mix it with the soil.
- Fertilization at the Seedling Stage
The seedling stage is a critical period for cotton growth. During this period, the cotton plant's root system is not yet fully developed, and its nutrient demand is relatively low. However, appropriate fertilization can promote root growth and improve its resilience to stress. Fertilization at the seedling stage is generally performed as a topdressing method: dissolving the fertilizer in water and applying it to the soil through the irrigation system.
When fertilizing at the seedling stage, the following points should be noted: First, the fertilizer concentration should not be too high to avoid burning the cotton seedlings. Second, fertilization should be performed in the morning or evening when the weather is clear and the soil is moist to minimize fertilizer volatilization and loss. Third, the fertilizer dosage should be adjusted according to the growth of the cotton seedlings to avoid excessive fertilization that causes waste and pollution.
- Fertilization at the Bud Stage
The bud stage is a critical stage in cotton growth. During this period, cotton buds begin to form, and its nutrient demand gradually increases. Fertilization during the bud stage should primarily be nitrogen fertilizer, with appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Nitrogen fertilizer promotes leaf and stem growth, increasing the area for photosynthesis. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers improve the cotton plant's resilience and quality. When fertilizing during the bud stage, the amount of fertilizer should be adjusted appropriately based on the cotton's growth and soil fertility. For cotton fields with weaker growth, the amount of fertilizer should be increased; for cotton fields with higher soil fertility, the amount should be reduced. Furthermore, attention should be paid to evenly applying fertilizer to avoid uneven growth caused by excessive fertilization in certain areas.
Four. Fertilization during the Flowering and Bolling Stage
The flowering and bolling stage is the peak growth period for cotton and also the time when nutrient demand is greatest. During this period, cotton begins to bloom and boll, and the demand for nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium reaches its peak. Therefore, fertilization during the flowering and bolling stage should primarily focus on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, while also supplementing with trace element fertilizers in appropriate amounts.
Fertilization during the flowering and bolling stage should be adjusted appropriately based on the cotton's growth and soil fertility. Generally speaking, for cotton fields with better growth, a small, frequent fertilization method can be used—applying smaller amounts of fertilizer each time but more frequently. For cotton fields with weaker growth, the amount of fertilizer should be increased and the frequency of fertilization should be reduced. In addition, attention should be paid to evenly applying fertilizer and timely irrigation to ensure that the cotton fully absorbs and utilizes the nutrients in the fertilizer.
- Late-season Fertilization
The late season is the final stage of cotton growth, when cotton begins to mature and be harvested. The main purpose of late-season fertilization is to prolong the functional life of cotton leaves and improve yield and quality. Late-season fertilization should primarily focus on phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, with appropriate amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can improve cotton's resilience and quality, while nitrogen fertilizers can prolong the functional life of cotton leaves.
When applying fertilizer in the late season, it is important to pay attention to the timing and method of fertilizer application. Generally speaking, a topdressing application about 20 days before harvest is most effective. During topdressing, the fertilizer should be dissolved in water and applied to the soil through the irrigation system to ensure that the cotton fully absorbs and utilizes the nutrients in the fertilizer. It is also important to avoid excessive fertilizer application to avoid waste and pollution.
In summary, the fertilization methods and precautions at each stage of cotton growth are crucial for healthy growth and improving yield and quality. In actual operation, the amount and type of fertilizer should be adjusted in time according to the growth of cotton and soil fertility to ensure that cotton fully absorbs and utilizes the nutrients in the fertilizer to achieve the goal of high yield and high quality.
