Effects of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton growth and yield: soil analysis and implications
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Date
2023-11-20
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Abstract
This study assessed the effects of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton
performance in Chato-Msilale village in Chato District, Tanzania. The soil analysis
revealed that field exhibited slightly acidic soil with normal electrical conductivity
but suffered from severe deficiencies in total nitrogen and organic carbon. The
same field presents common issue of low cation exchange capacity, indicating
limited nutrient-holding capacity. Furthermore, both fields displayed very low levels
of total nitrogen (<0.1%), signaling a nitrogen deficiency. Available phosphorus
was rated as medium (16.8 mg kg−1 soil). Trace elements fluctuated and could
be managed based on specific crop requirements. The factors at different levels
were: (1) sowing dates – (i) 25th November 2022, (ii) 15th December 2022, and (iii)
4th January 2023; and (2) Phosphorus levels – (i) control, (ii) 20 kg P ha−1, (iii) 40 kg
P ha−1, and (iv) 60 kg P ha−1. Regarding cotton growth and yield, sowing dates
significantly (p < 0.001) influenced plant height, gin turnout, lint yield, number of
bolls per plant, and boll weight while phosphorus levels did not exhibit significant
effects. Earlier sowing dates resulted in higher yields, albeit with variations in yield
components. Interactions showed that growth and yields were only numerically
higher in the middle sowing date at higher levels of phosphorus applied. Overall,
these insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing cotton cultivation in Chato
District, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate sowing dates for
improved yields.
Description
Original Research
Keywords
crop improvement, improved livelihoods, smallholders, soil conservation, sustainable farming systems
Citation
Tlatlaa JS, Tryphone GM and Nassary EK (2023) Effects of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton growth and yield: soil analysis and implications. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 7:1298459. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1298459