Impact of sowing date and level of phosphorus application on economic returns in cotton
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Date
2024-06-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Plant Science
Abstract
This study explored the economic dynamics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
production in Msilale village, Chato District, Tanzania. The experiment utilized a
factorial design with sowing dates on November 25th, December 15th, and January
4th, and phosphorus levels at 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha-1, replicated three times.
Results indicated significantly higher cotton yields (6.1 t ha-1 and 6.3 t ha-1) for
November and December sowings compared to January (3.8 t ha-1). This is a 61%
and 66% increase in cotton yields for November and December sowings,
respectively relative to January sowing. Though not significant, 20 kg P ha-1 and
40 kg P ha-1 applications yielded 5.8 t ha-1 and 5.4 t ha-1, respectively, while 60 kg P
ha-1 yielded 5.3 t ha-1. This is a 9.4% and 1.9% increase in cotton yields at 20 and
40 kg P ha-1, respectively relative to absolute control and 60 kg P ha-1 application.
Economic analysis revealed that late sowing (January) had the lowest net profit
(Tshs. 3,723,400 ≈ USD 1,486) and benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of 11.2. Early sowings
recorded higher net profits (Tshs. 6,679,527 ≈ USD 2,666 and Tshs. 6,861,283 ≈
USD 2,738) and BCRs (18.4 and 18.8, respectively). This is a 79% (BCR = 64%) and
84% (BCR = 68) increase in net benefits from early sowings compared to late
sowing. Applications of 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha-1 resulted in net benefits of Tshs.
5,452,572 ≈ USD 2,176 (BCR = 19.2), Tshs. 5,209,904 ≈ USD 2,079 (BCR = 15.1), and
Tshs. 5,748,786 ≈ USD 2,294 (BCR = 14.1), respectively, with a significant (p = 0.017)
BCR at 20 kg P ha-1 indicating cost-effectiveness. This is a 36% and 7.1% economic
benefit at 20 and 40 kg P ha-1, respectively compared to 60 kg P ha-1 application.
Optimizing sowing dates and P levels can boost economic returns in cotton
production and promote sustainability.
Description
Original Research
Keywords
agricultural sustainability, cotton productivity, economic viability, environmental sustainability, nutrient management, rural agriculture
Citation
Tlatlaa JS, Tryphone GM and Nassary EK (2024) Impact of sowing date and level of phosphorus application on economic returns in cotton. Front. Plant Sci. 15:1402731. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1402731