Impact of Soil Applied Potassiumm on Cotton Yield Across The Cotton Belt

The increased yield potential of new varieties and better management by growers have pushed cotton yields to 3 to 4 bales per acre. Such high yields put a substantial demand on the cotton root systems’ ability to take up sufficient potassium and other nutrients. As potassium demands have increased, deep-profile soil sampling has indicated decreasing levels of plant available potassium in the soils of some production areas. The frequency and severity of potassium deficiency symptoms also has increased on highly-productive soils over the past decade. Providing insufficient potassium could decrease yields and fiber quality and lead to decreased grower profits. The objectives of this research were to: 1) determine soil potassium levels in the surface horizon and at depth in several cotton production areas; and, 2) evaluate application rates of potassium fertilizer on cotton yield, quality, and return on investment. Soil potassium levels and cotton lint yield for 2015, 2016 and 2017 will be discussed for all single site locations (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi, and North Carolina).