Proper timing of fertilizer N applications in relation to crop uptake can serve to improve fertilizer efficiency in irrigated cotton. Earlier research has identified an optimum application window extending from the formation of first pinhead squares to peak bloom, which corresponds well with maximum crop uptake and utilization. Field experiments were conducted at the University of Arizona Marana Agricultural Center (Grabe clay loam soil) utilizing sidedress applications of ammonium sulfate with 5-atom % 15-N at pinhead square, early bloom, and peak bloom at a rate of 56 kg N/ha. The objective was to compare relative efficiencies in terms of fertilizer N uptake and recovery among these three times of application. Results indicate that all treatments averaged approximately 80% total fertilizer N recovery. Of the fertilizer N that was recovered, approximately 40 % was taken up by the plants and 60 % recovered in the soil, primarily in the top 60 cm of the soil profile.

A laboratory study was initiated to investigate the potential loss of fertilizer nitrogen (N) through volatilization at four different temperatures (25, 30, 35, and 40°C) out of irrigation waters collected from a number of Arizona locations. Complete water analysis was conducted on each of the water samples. A 300 ml volume of each water was placed in 450 ml beakers open to the atmosphere in a constant temperature water bath with 10 mg of analytical grade (NH₄)₂SO₄ added to each sample. Small aliquots were drawn at specific time intervals over a 24 hour period and then analyzed for NH₄⁺-N concentrations. Results showed potential losses from volatilization to be highly temperature dependent. Total losses (after 24 hours) ranged from 30-48% at 25°C to over 90% at 40°C. In this study where (NH₄)₂SO₄ was used as the N source, the initial concentration of SO₄⁻-S in the solution had a repressive effect on volatilization due to the decreased availability of free NH₄⁺ in waters with high initial SO₄⁻-S concentrations due to the formation of complex ion pairs (NH₄SO₄⁻). It was also observed that at lower temperatures complexation and ion pair formation affected volatilization of NH₃ by reducing the NH₄⁺ activity in solution and thereby reducing NH₃ volatilization. Potential volatilization loss of fertilizer N from these irrigation waters was found to be significant and should be considered when making decisions regarding fertilizer N applications for crop production in Arizona.

Ironite and phosphorus were applied as a combined treatment and also individually to plots planted to long and short staple cotton to find their effect on crop development and lint yield. A statistically significant increase in lint yield was seen with 14 pounds of Ironite and 200 pounds of 16-20-0 per acre compared with the untreated check in the short staple plots. An increase in long staple yield was observed as the Ironite treatment increased from 7 to 28 pounds per acre when coupled with 200 pounds of 16-20-0. Few differences were seen between treatments in any of the plant mapping variables measured or with HVI values. More research and an economic analyses are needed to determine if this would be a recommended procedure in the Safford valley.

A two site evaluation of a calcium (Ca²⁺)-based soil conditioner was conducted during the 1999 cotton season. The two locations included one at the Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC) in Maricopa, AZ and the other was on a grower-cooperator field in Tacna, AZ. Both studies involved the use of CN-9, a Ca-nitrate solution with 9% nitrogen and 11% Ca. At MAC theCN-9 solution was sprayed over the seedbed post planting but prior to the first water-up irrigation. At the Tacna site CN-9 was applied in a sidedress application at planting. Routine plant measurements were taken throughout the duration of both studies and lint yield estimates were made at each location at the end of the season. No significant differences due to the application of CN-9 were detected in any data collected.

Two soil amendments, Agriblend Plus and Superfloc A-836, were applied to cotton beds prior to planting at rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 pounds per acre, incorporated and planted to short staple (DP 655BR) or long staple (HTO) cotton. The experimental plots were fertilized, irrigated and managed in a manner to produce optimal cotton yields. No statistically significant yield increases were seen from any of the treatments, even though a few interesting trends were observed. The report contains observations on plant mapping and lint quality data, in addition to yield data.