Maximization of Cotton Yields with Balanced Nutrition Including Foliar Spraying of Nutrient Solution

Abstract

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in ten selected villages of Bhadradri Kothagudem district conducted Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) in cotton crop on soil test based fertilizer application including foliar spraying of need based nutrient solution (MgSO4/ 19: 19: 19/ KNO3) during the Kharif seasons of 2019, 2020, and 2021 within its operational area. These demonstrations compared the effectiveness of recommended dose fertilizers application (N, P2O5, K2O) and soil test based fertilizer recommendation. The results showed that the soil testbased fertilizer recommendationplots had higher cost-benefit ratios (B: C Ratio) of 1:1.94, 1: 2.41 and 1: 1.24 compared to the B: C ratios of 1: 1.39, 1: 1.85 and 1: 0.42 in normal recommended dose fertilizers application plots during the corresponding years. Higher yield was observed in the soil test based fertilizer application plots (2010, 2566 and 1424 kg / ha) compared to farmers practice (1750, 2218 and 1236 kg /ha) during corresponding Kharif seasons 2019, 2020, and 2021.