Impact of Variable Nitrogen Applications on Yield Outcomes in Bt. Cotton in Core Cotton Region of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of varying nitrogen doses on cotton yield across five locations in the Bahawalpur Division, Pakistan, aiming to optimize nitrogen fertilization strategies for improved cotton productivity. Nitrogen treatments ranging from control (0 kg/ha) to 250 kg/ha were applied to cotton crops, and their effects on seed cotton yield were assessed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant effects of both nitrogen levels and location on cotton yield (P < 0.0001), with the highest yield observed at the N-250 dose. Among the locations, Haroonabad-3 showed the most significant yield increase, with a peak yield of 2600 kg/ha at the highest nitrogen dose. The study also highlighted the interaction between nitrogen dose and location, suggesting that soil nutrient content plays a crucial role in nitrogen utilization. These findings underscore the importance of tailored nitrogen management strategies for cotton farming and provide insights into optimizing nitrogen applications to maximize cotton yield across diverse locations.