Assessment of nitrogen response in promising cotton cultivars in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) stands as the primary fiber-producing crop globally, with India leading in both cultivation area and raw cotton production. However, Maharashtra, despite being a leading state in cotton cultivation, faces challenges with comparatively low productivity. Soil nitrogen plays a crucial role in crop yield and quality, affecting various physiological processes essential for plant growth. This study examines the nitrogen response of promising cotton cultivars in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. Through field experiments conducted over two years, we evaluated the impact of nitrogen levels and irrigation on cotton growth and yield. Results indicate significant differences in seed cotton, lint, cotton stalk, and biological yield between cultivars and nitrogen levels. Notably, cotton cultivar Bt hybrid PKV-Hy-2-BG-II exhibited higher seed cotton and lint yields compared to improved cotton cultivar AKH-9916. Additionally, nitrogen application positively influenced yield parameters up to a certain threshold, beyond which diminishing returns were observed. Economic analysis revealed higher gross and net monetary returns for Bt hybrid PKV-Hy-2-BG-II, attributed to its superior yield performance. These findings underscore the importance of nitrogen management strategies in optimizing cotton productivity in Maharashtra's cotton-growing regions.