A single field experiment was conducted in 1995 at Maricopa, AZ to compare a scheduled approach (based on stage of growth) versus a feedback approach (based on vegetative status) to both nitrogen (N) and mepiquat chloride (PIX™) applications on Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). PIX feedback treatments were based upon fruit retention (FR) levels and height to node ratios (HNRs) according to established baselines. Scheduled and feedback PIX applications were made for a total of 1.0 pt./acre over two applications, with the scheduled treatments-taking place earlier in the fruiting cycle (early and peak bloom). Feedback PIX treatments began with a single 0.5 pt. /acre application near peak bloom (approx. 2200 heat units after planting (HUAP), 86/55 °F threshold) and followed with a second 0.5 pt. /acre application in late bloom. Scheduled applications of fertilizer N totaled 200 lbs. N/acre from three applications and feedback N treatments received a total of 100 lbs. N/acre from two applications. Treatments consisted of all combinations of scheduled or feedback applications of both N and FIX. The highest lint yields were from a treatment receiving feedback N and FIX, but all treatment yields were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.05) from one another. From a practical (economic) standpoint, however, these treatments were different in terms of the differences of fertilizer N and the timing of the PIX applications required to produce comparable yields. Results from 1995 are consistent with 1993 and 1994 results from the same study.

Three field trials were conducted in Arizona in 1995 at three locations (Safford, Maricopa and Buckeye) to evaluate yield benefits associated with potassium (K) fertilization. The 1995 and previous years studies were aimed at assessing the agronomic necessity of K fertilization in Arizona cotton (Gossvpium spp.) production. At the Safford Agriculture center (Pima clay loam), both Upland (G hirsutum L., var. DPL 90) and Pima (G. barbadense L., var. S-7) cotton included treatments of both soil and foliar K applications. The trial at Maricopa Agricultural Center (Casa Grande sandy loam) included four foliar K applications over the growing season on Pima (G barbadense L., var. S-7) cotton. The third trial was at the Buckeye location (Superstition silty loam) where a single foliar application over split plots preceded by soil application on Pima (G. barbadense L, var. S-7) cotton was undertaken. The results of the experiments at the Safford and Maricopa locations indicated no lint yield responses to K fertilization by either Upland or Pima cotton; however, at the Buckeye location, the result indicated a significant difference between the means of the soil-only and the soil-plus-foliar treatments. There were however no significant differences among soil-only treatments as well as the soil-plus-foliar treated plots when compared to their respective controls.

Advanced technologies to produce synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide (PAM, and polymaleic anhydride (PMA) have produced products which may be economically feasible alternatives to traditional treatments such as gypsum in the desert Southwest. In 1995 a single field study was conducted at Paloma Ranch, west of Gila Bend in Maricopa County Arizona Upland Nucoton 35, DPL' was dry planted and watered -up on 10 and 11 April. Treatments consisted of various rates and times of applications of Sper Sal™, which included a check (no Sper Sal), 1 and 2 qts. /acre with the water-up irrigation; 1 and 2 qts./acre with a mid - season irrigation; and 1 qt. /acre mid-season following 1 or 2 qts./acre with the water -up irrigation. No differences among treatments were detected among any treatments in terms of plant growth and development or final lint yields. There were no early-season differences in soil crusting among the various soil amendment treatments in 1995, as opposed to 1994 when a severe rain occurred immediately following planting.

Four alternative tillage systems were compared to a conventional system at The University of Arizona Agricultural Centers in Marana and Yuma. The alternative tillage systems offer significant savings in energy, time, and cost. None of the reduced tillage systems were associated with a reduction in cotton yield.

Two prototypes of a stalk burial implement were tested for energy requirements at the University of California, Shaffer Research Station. Both versions of the implement are designed to bury the cotton stalks in a concentrated zone and reform the bed in the same location. To plow under shredded stalks, both versions of the implement required less energy than a conventional tillage systems typical of the San Joaquin Valley of California. Both stalk burial implements were also used to plow under whole cotton stalks. This offers additional energy savings by eliminating the stalk shredding operation.

Three field experiments were conducted in Arizona in 1996 at three locations (Maricopa, Marana, and Safford). The Maricopa and Safford experiments have been conducted for seven consecutive seasons, the Marana site was initiated in 1994. The purposes of the experiments were to validate and refine nitrogen (N) fertilization recommendations for both Upland and Pima cotton. The experiments each utilized N management tools such as pre-season soil tests for NO₃⁻-N, in- season plant tissue testing (petioles) for N fertility status, and crop monitoring to ascertain crop fruiting patterns and crop N needs. At each location, treatments varied from a conservative to a more aggressive approach of N management. Results at each location revealed a strong relationship between the crop fruit retention levels and N needs for the crop. This pattern was further reflected in final yield analysis as a response to the N fertilization regimes used. The higher, more aggressive, N application regimes did not benefit yields at any location.

Field studies were carried out for the purpose of evaluating fertilizer nitrogen (N) recovery of upland cotton by use of the difference technique. The treatments under study included : i) check (no fertilizer N applied), ii) standard approach (preplant and sidedress), iii) feedback approach (based upon soil and plant factors), and iv) 2X feedback approach. The studies were carried out at two locations Maricopa (MAC) and Marana (MAR). MAC is a low elevation location with a coarser textured soil compared to the MAR location. 'DPL-20' was the variety used in both locations, except for the early years at MAC where 'DPL-90' was used. The sources of fertilizer N were urea and ammonium sulphate, which were sidedress and split applied. In general, for the MAC location the final N fertilizer rates (NFR) applied were higher than for MAR due to higher yield potentials. The total N uptake increased as the NFR increased. The N use efficiency (NUE) values were reduced as NFR increased. The N fertilizer uptake (NFU) showed a decreasing pattern in the first years, and then an increasing trend; which was coupled with rather high amounts of N taken up in the check plot (soil N mineralized). When the N uptake in the check plot was high, NFU values were low, and vice versa. At MAC the N uptake in the check plot, apparently due to mineralized soil N revealed a slight increasing trend during the first years and then, after the fourth year, a rapid reduction of the mineralized soil N (check plot). A similar pattern was observed for MAR, although the total amount of N taken up was smaller compared to the MAC location.

In 1996 a single field experiment was conducted at Paloma Ranch, west of Gila Bend in Maricopa County Arizona. Nucoton 33B was dry planted and watered -up on 15 April. Treatments consisted of various rates and times of application of nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) from two sources (N-Carm and CAN-17), as well as a standard N source, UAN-32, along with a Calcium (Ca) check which received no Ca. Treatments], 2, and 3 each received a total of 280 lbs. N/acre. Treatment 4 received a total of 210 lbs. N/acre while treatment 5 received a total of 301 lbs. N/acre. Treatment 1 was a check plot and received only standard applications of UAN-32. Treatments 2 and 4 each received a total of 72 lbs. of Ca/acre. Treatment 5 received a total of 79 lbs. Ca/acre while treatment 4 received a total of 300 lbs. Ca/acre. No significant differences were found among the various treatments in terms of plant growth, soil water content, ECₑ values, and sodium absorption ratios. Lint yields were significantly different (P < 0.07).

Two field experiments were conducted during the 2000 growing season to address fertility recommendations for fertilizer phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). A K fertility study was conducted near Tonopah, AZ consisting of two treatments, an untreated control and a treatment receiving a total of 20 gallons of K-Sul/acre. No significant differences were observed in leaf blade K concentrations between treatments. Plant growth and development estimates revealed that fruit retention (FR) levels remained consistently higher in the untreated control versus the treated plots. A second study involved treatments consisting of both P and K fertilizers was conducted near Cibola, AZ. Four treatments in this experiment included an untreated control plus treatments of 11-52-0, 0-0-60, and 4-17-40 at 100, 200, and 300 lbs. fertilizer/acre respectively. Plant growth and development estimates were similar among treatments during the season. At the end of the season the untreated control had a slightly higher FR level than the other treatments, which also produced a significantly higher yield. No other differences in yield among the fertilized treatments were observed.

Two field experiments were conducted in Arizona in 2000 at two locations (Maricopa and Marana). The Maricopa experiment has been conducted for nine consecutive seasons; the Marana site was initiated in 1994. The purposes of the experiments were to validate and refine nitrogen (N) fertilization recommendations for Upland cotton. The experiments each utilized N management tools such as pre-season soil tests for NO₃⁻-N, in-season plant tissue testing (petioles) for N fertility status, and crop monitoring to ascertain crop fruiting patterns and crop N needs. At each location, treatments varied from a conservative to a more aggressive approach of N management. Results at each location revealed a strong relationship between the crop fruit retention levels and N needs for the crop. This pattern was further reflected in final yield analysis as a response to the N fertilization regimes used. The higher, more aggressive, N application regimes did not benefit yields at any location. In 2000, fruit retention levels were good and crop vigor was not excessive. The more conservative, feedback approach to N management provided optimum yields at both locations.