Addition of L-tryptophan (L-TRP) to soil can have an ecological impact on the growth and development of some plants through its catabolism into auxins by rhizosphere microflora. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the influence of L-TRP on growth and chemical composition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Seven L-TRP levels (10 -7 to 10 -1 g/kg soil) were applied as a soil drench in addition to a control. Data obtained revealed that specific growth parameters were significantly promoted, such as plant height (27.3%), dry weights of shoot (45.7%) and root (35.8%), biomass (43.3%), and number of branches (37.5%), flowers (63.3%) and bolls per plant (22.4%) in response to L-TRP treatments. Similarly, the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in plant tissues and their uptake were also significantly affected by the exogenous application of L-TRP. Significant linear or quadratic doseresponse relationships were found when root mass, branches, flowers, bolls, and NPK concentrations in plant tissues and their uptake, were regressed against log[L-TRP] excluding the control. The effects of L-TRP could be most likely attributed to its conversion into auxins by the rhizosphere microflora upon direct uptake by plant; however, other mechanisms such as direct uptake of L-TRP by plant roots with subsequent auxin production within plant tissues or a change in the balance of rhizosphere microflora affecting plant growth cannot be excluded.