Boron and Zinc Requirement of Cotton in an Arid Environment

ISBN-13: 9783659158674 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 348 str.

Niaz Ahmed

Opis

Boron (B) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are widespread in alkaline, calcareous and low organic-matter soils of Pakistan. In the present study, the Cotton crop responded positively to application of B and Zn fertilizers. Plant growth, productivity and nutritional value of cottonseeds were improved, very cost-effectively, by optimizing B nutrition. Fertilizer B requirement was 1.0 kg B ha-1 and HCl extractable soil B critical range appears to be 0.5-0.6 mg kg-1 soil. . Similarly, use of Zn fertilizer in cotton promoted seed cotton yield, boll bearing, boll weight, and seed index. Zn application at rate of 7.5 kg ha 1 was most cost-effective. Certain plant physiological parameters, such as membrane integrity and chlorophyll content, were improved with better Zn nutrition of plants. Moreover, both B and Zn fertilizers showed residual effects in cotton - wheat system."

O autorze

Dr. Niaz Ahmed born in Pakistan (3rd May 1965) is PhD in Agriculture (Soil Science). While working as an Agricultural Officer at the soil fertility laboratory Multan since 10.08.1989, he is involved in conducting fertilizer trials and providing soil and water advisory services to the farmers.