Optimizing fertilizer timing boosts cotton growth while protecting the environment.
The researchers found that applying a small amount of fertilizer when the first flower appears on cotton plants is the best time for nutrient uptake. This helps the plants use nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium efficiently while reducing environmental impact. The study compared different fertilization timings and found that early application at the first flower stage led to the fastest nutrient accumulation and highest productivity. This approach can help simplify fertilizer management in cotton production and address issues like excessive fertilizer use and labor shortages in Chinese agriculture.
