Influence of Nitrogen, Narrow Rows, and Plant Population on Cotton Yield and Growth1

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Abstract
Narrow row planting of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has the potential for improving yield and production efficiency. Fertilizer needs and other production technology for narrow row cotton have received little attention, especially the nitrogen (N) requirement. The objective of this study was to ascertain if N fertilizer, narrow row, and high population, has any effect on growth and yield of dryland cotton. The relationship between petiole NO−3‐N at various stages of development and yields was also investigated. Row spacing (25, 51, and 76‐cm), plant populations (123,550 and 173,000 plants/ha), and N rate (0, 45, and 90 kg/ha) variables were placed in a factorial arrangement of a randomized, complete block design with four replications. Low N treatments (45 kg/ha) produced no significant change in yield, but higher N rates reduced yield significantly. The 25 and 51‐cm row spacings produced significantly higher yield than 76‐cm rows. The range of plant populations used did not materially affect yield, but there was a significant N‐population interaction. Narrow rows reduced plant height. NO−3‐N levels in petioles increased with increased N rate, being highest at the square stage of plant growth and decreasing sharply at the flower and boll stages. There was no significant correlation between petiole NO−3‐N and yield. Narrow row cotton can result in higher yield and is especially of interest where the length of growing season is not optimum.