By Denise Attaway
It may be time to throw out old cotton nitrogen recommendations and start with a fresh, new plan.
A new Clemson University study found that many South Carolina cotton farmers may be applying more nitrogen fertilizer than their fields need, costing growers money and increasing environmental risks.
The findings come from a three‑year, 50-trial study led by Clemson soil fertility specialist Bhupinder Farmaha. The results point toward “site‑specific” nitrogen planning instead of blanket recommendations.
The scientists examined cotton fields across the Coastal Plain, Flatwoods, Sandhills and Piedmont regions. They tested four nitrogen rates at each farm. They tracked differences in soil, crop history, tillage system, irrigation and long‑term conservation practices, such as cover crops and poultry litter use.
Source : clemson.edu