IMPROVING NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY AND FIBER QUALITY OF COTTON THROUGH COMMERCIAL VALUE ADDED FERTILIZER

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) plays a crucial role in the growth and physiological functions of plants. However, it has been observed that plants typically utilize less than 50% of the applied nitrogen fertilizer, while the remaining nitrogen is lost from the system through processes like leaching, denitrification, and ammonia volatilization, thus impacting nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cotton. To address this issue, there has been a recent introduction of commercially available value-added fertilizers aimed at increasing NUE. In this context, a field experiment was conducted in 2021 at the Latif experimental farm of Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Pakistan to assess the effects of a specific value-added fertilizer, Zarkhez Plus, on cotton fiber quality. The experiment included seven different treatments with three replications, following a randomized complete block design. The treatments were as follows: T1 represented standard farming practice with urea, DAP, and MOP fertilizers; T2 included the standard farming practice with the addition of Zingro and Zoron; T3 consisted of 100% Zarkhez Green Plus along with 100% standard urea; T4 comprised 80% Zarkhez Green Plus, 100% standard urea, and Zingro and Zoron; T5 involved 100% Zarkhez Green Plus, 100% standard urea, and Zingro and Zoron; T6 included 100% Zarkhez Green Plus, 75% standard urea, and Zingro and Zoron; and T7 consisted of 100% Zarkhez Green Plus, 50% standard urea, and Zingro and Zoron. The results of the experiment revealed that Zarkhez Plus significantly enhanced and about 10% increase in various plant growth parameters such as plant height, number of buds, flowers, bolls, opened/closed bolls, root biomass, and seed cotton yield compared to the other treatments. Additionally, quality parameters including staple length, micronaire, fiber length, and 10-12 increase in NUE were improved by the application of Zarkhez Plus. Moreover, it was observed that with the application of ZKZ Plus, 25% of the standard urea could be saved, while also positively affecting soil quality, although further assessment is needed in this regard. Overall, Zarkhez Plus demonstrated potential as a value-added fertilizer for enhancing cotton yield, fiber quality, and NUE.