How to Determine the Application Order of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in Cotton Drip Fertigation

Deep Farm  2025-10-21 09:51:09   8  1 Like

How to Determine the Application Order of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in Cotton Drip Fertigation

1、Variation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Contents in Drip

The results showed that the N content (Nc), P content (Pc), and K content (Kc) of cotton plants at high yield levels were 23.3%, 44.2%, and 31.6% higher than those at low yield levels.

Variation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Contents in Drip

2、Optimization of water and fertilizer management improves yield, water

When the application rates of phosphate and potassium fertilizer were the same, the application of nitrogen fertilizer can enhance the phosphorus and potassium use efficiency, but the nitrogen use efficiency decreased as the application of nitrogen increased (Li et al., 2018).

Optimization of water and fertilizer management improves yield, water

3、Effect of different NPK fertilization timing sequences

In order to elucidate the effects of different nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization timing sequences management on nutrient absorption and utilization in drip...

Effect of different NPK fertilization timing sequences

4、Variation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Contents

The results showed that the N content (Nc), P content (Pc), and K content (Kc) of cotton plants at high yield levels were 23.3%, 44.2%, and 31.6% higher than those at low yield levels.

Variation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Contents

5、Real

Precision nutrient management involves adjusting application rates of fertilizers according to the spatial variability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) within agricultural fields.

(PDF) Colorimetric detection of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

In order to precisely provide nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus via irrigation, this study designed a method for their field detection based on photoelectric colorimetry.

Effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Drip

【Objective】The aim of this study was to clarify the response of reduced nitrogen (N) application with different phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) managements (PK-M) on drip-irrigated cotton growth, dry matter accumulation and yield formation in Northern Xinjiang, so as to provide a theroe base for reduced N application with cost saving.

Towards to understanding the preliminary loss and absorption of

These results demonstrate that reasonable water, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilize could not only effectively promote the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus, but also reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses under drip fertigation and plastic mulching.

Phosphorylation regulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three macronutrient elements necessary for plant growth and development. Field application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers guarantees high crop yields.

Minimum fertilization at the appearance of the first flower benefits

Therefore, the objective of this paper was to explain the optimal application time for once fertilization based on cotton nutrient accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium...

The ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in cotton drip fertigation is a critical factor affecting cotton growth and yield. A balanced nutrient ratio ensures healthy development, enhances disease resistance, and promotes high productivity. Below is a detailed guide on the sequential application of N, P, and K in cotton drip fertilization:

I. Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

  1. Early Stage: During the seedling stage, apply nitrogen moderately. Cotton’s nitrogen demand is low at this phase. Excessive nitrogen can cause excessive vegetative growth, hindering later boll formation. Initial nitrogen application should account for 10%–20% of total nutrients.
  2. Mid Stage: As cotton enters the flowering and boll-forming stage, increase nitrogen intake to meet rising demands. Avoid overapplication, which may lead to reduced fiber quality and yield.
  3. Late Stage: Reduce nitrogen before maturity to promote final development. A minor topdressing of nitrogen can improve fiber quality and yield.

II. Phosphorus Fertilizer Application

  1. Base Application: Apply phosphorus as a base fertilizer during sowing to ensure continuous phosphorus supply, fostering root development and nutrient uptake.
  2. Topdressing: Apply supplemental phosphorus during key stages: seedling, flowering, and pre-harvest. Use highly absorbable phosphorus fertilizers to maximize efficiency.
  3. Balanced Ratio: Avoid overapplying phosphorus, as excess can reduce the effectiveness of other nutrients. Follow "balanced fertilization" principles to maintain equilibrium among nutrients.

III. Potassium Fertilizer Application

  1. Base Application: Incorporate potassium as a base fertilizer at sowing to support leaf growth and photosynthesis throughout the season.
  2. Topdressing: Apply additional potassium during seedling, flowering, and pre-harvest stages. Choose high-potassium, fast-acting fertilizers for optimal absorption.
  3. Balanced Ratio: Excess potassium can inhibit uptake of other nutrients. Adhere to balanced fertilization to ensure all nutrients are supplied proportionally.

IV. Fertigation Principles

  1. Balanced Fertilization: Maintain equilibrium among N, P, and K to improve cotton quality, yield, and environmental sustainability.
  2. Appropriate Rates: Avoid over- or under-application. Excess fertilizer wastes resources and risks soil salinization, while deficiency stunts growth.
  3. Timely Application: Adjust timing and methods based on growth stages and weather. Increase fertilizer during drought and reduce it during rainy seasons to prevent leaching.
  4. Combine Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers: Integrate organic matter (for long-term nutrient release and soil health) with chemical fertilizers (for quick efficacy) to complement their strengths.
  5. Micronutrient Supplementation: Include micronutrients like iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) to address potential deficiencies and enhance crop quality.
  6. Scientific Ratios: Tailor N, P, and K proportions to cotton varieties, growth stages, and soil conditions. Ensure compatibility with other nutrients for optimal results.

The application order of N, P, and K in cotton drip fertigation should follow the principle of "nitrogen first, then phosphorus, followed by potassium," adjusted according to growth stages and soil conditions. Scientific nutrient management promotes healthy cotton growth, high yields, and market competitiveness.

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