Coupling Effects of Nitrogen and Irrigation Levels on Growth Attributes, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Economics of Cotton

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) fertilization plays a pivotal role in physiomorphological attributes and yield formation of field-grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), but little is known of its interaction with irrigation levels. Therefore, this study was conducted with an objective of evaluating the impact of irrigation and nitrogen levels on growth attributes and nitrogen use efficiency of Bt cotton (Gossypium spp.) in the hot arid region. The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of three irrigation levels (200, 400, and 600 mm) and four nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha–1) in a split-plot design with three replications. Nitrogen fertilization and irrigation levels influenced cotton growth attributes and yield. The highest leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate were achieved at 225 kg N ha–1 and irrigation level 600 mm as compared to other experimental treatments. Similarly, nitrogen uptake and content by seed, lint, and stalk and total nitrogen uptake recorded maximum at 225 kg N ha–1 and irrigation level 600 mm. Interestingly, the treatment of 600 mm of irrigation and 150 kg N ha–1 displayed significant increase in nitrogen use efficiency indices such as agronomic efficiency of nitrogen (AEN) and recovery efficiency of nitrogen (REN), while partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) and internal nitrogen use efficiency (iNUE) were significantly higher with application of 600 mm of irrigation and nitrogen application rate of 75 kg ha–1. Application of 600 mm of irrigation along with 225 kg N ha–1 resulted in significant increase in gross return, net return, and B:C ratio than any other treatment combinations. So, application of 600 mm of irrigation along with 225 kg N ha–1 could be recommended for achieving higher growth and yield, as well as profitability of Bt cotton under hot arid region and similar agroecologies.

Determination of morpho-physiological and yield traits of maize inbred lines (Zea mays L.) under optimal and drought stress conditions

“…Indeed, plants respond to drought stress in a variety of ways ( Gaufichon et al, 2010 ; Islam et al, 2021 ; Ahamd et al, 2022a ; Akhtar et al, 2022 ; Kumar et al, 2022 ; Shabbir et al, 2022 ). When plants are exposed to drought, they typically exhibit a series of morphophysiological changes associated with tolerance, including the maintenance of free proline accumulation, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, substomatal carbon dioxide concentration, canopy temperature, plant height, and stem diameter ( Mafakheri et al, 2010 ; Ali et al, 2011 ; Araus et al, 2012 ; Gao et al, 2015 ).…”

Nitrogenous Fertilizer Coated With Zinc Improves the Productivity and Grain Quality of Rice Grown Under Anaerobic Conditions

“…An approximate increase of 25% NUE was reported with polymer-coated urea (PCU) applications compared to straight urea by Fageria and Carvalho ( 2014 ). Tanga et al ( 2020 ) and Kumar et al ( 2022 ) stated that the application of mineral elements significantly enhanced the nutrient use efficiency, growth, and biochemical attributes of field crops with a maximum net return (Yousaf et al, 2016 ; Shah et al, 2021b ).…”

Impact of different levels of zinc and nitrogen on growth, productivity, and quality of aromatic rice cultivated under various irrigation regimes in two districts of Pakistan

“…occurs, and this additional LAI provides no benefit to the crop. Nitrogen fertilization plays critical roles in physiomorphological traits of field crops, which are directly and/or indirectly linked with economical yield (Kumar et al, 2022). The mean crop growth rate (CGR) was affected by increased doses of zinc and nitrogen at both sites.…”