Solution and Granular Nitrogen Fertilizers for Crop Residue Management¹

Abstract

The effects of solution and granular N fertilizers and straw on the nitrate (NO3) content of soil and cotton petioles were studied in the laboratory and field. In the laboratory, applications of solution N with straw to soils generally resulted in more rapid mineralization of N when compared with granular applications. In the field, applications of N increased soil and petiole NO3 but tended to decrease cotton yields. Granular rather than solution N applied to straw and bare soil generally produced the highest NO3 content of the soil but there was no difference in petiole NO3. Straw alone decreased yields but did not affect soil and petiole NO3. Straw plus N tended to decrease soil and petiole NO3 when compared with N applications alone. N in the solid form at a rate of 125 pounds per acre produced yields statistically equal to the check treatment.