Fertilizer Balance in Cotton Crop

Cotton is an important cash crop in India and its nutrition management is critical for achieving higher yields and quality cotton lint. Integrated nutrient management (INM) is a holistic approach that involves the application of various sources of nutrients in a balanced manner to improve soil fertility and enhance crop productivity. Here are some key practices for integrated nutrition management of cotton crop in India:

Soil testing: Before planting cotton, it is essential to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient content and pH level of the soil. Based on the test results, a balanced nutrient management plan can be developed. Farmers can read our article soil testing. Click here

Balanced fertilization: INM involves the use of a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers to provide a balanced supply of essential nutrients to the cotton crop. The use of compost, green manure, and crop residues can help improve soil fertility and provide a slow-release source of nutrients. 

Balanced fertilizers for cotton are those that contain a balanced ratio of the essential macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as micronutrients like zinc (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn). Cotton requires relatively high levels of nitrogen for vegetative growth, phosphorus for root development and early growth, and potassium for overall plant health and stress tolerance. Micronutrients like zinc and boron are also important for cotton growth and development.

Some examples of balanced fertilizers for cotton include:

  1. NPK fertilizers: These fertilizers contain a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-26-26, 20-20-20, or 15-15-15.

  2. Nitrogen fertilizers: Nitrogen fertilizers like urea or ammonium sulfate can be used in conjunction with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to provide a balanced nutrient supply.

  3. Micronutrient fertilizers: Fertilizers containing micronutrients like zinc, boron, and manganese can be added to the soil or applied as foliar sprays to address micronutrient deficiencies.

  4. Organic fertilizers: Organic fertilizers like compost, manure, and bone meal can provide a slow-release source of nutrients and help improve soil fertility.

By using balanced fertilizers for cotton, farmers can provide a balanced supply of essential nutrients to the crop, improve soil fertility, and promote healthy growth and development.


Application of micronutrients: Cotton requires micronutrients like zinc, boron, and manganese for optimal growth and development. The application of micronutrients through foliar sprays or soil application can help overcome micronutrient deficiencies and improve crop yields. 

Timing and method of fertilizer application: Fertilizers should be applied at the right time and in the right manner to maximize their effectiveness. In cotton, nitrogen should be applied in split doses during the vegetative stage, and phosphorus and potassium should be applied at planting.

Use of biofertilizers: The use of biofertilizers like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and phosphobacteria can help fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilize phosphorus, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Crop rotation: Crop rotation with legumes like soybean and pigeon pea can help improve soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure, and increase cotton yields.

Integrated pest management: The use of integrated pest management practices like crop rotation, biological control, and use of resistant varieties can help reduce pesticide use, minimize pest and disease pressure, and promote sustainable cotton production.

By following these practices, farmers can improve the nutrition management of cotton crop in India and achieve higher yields, better quality cotton lint, and sustainable production practices.