Is there any profit for cotton growers with today’s low prices?
Cotton specialists believe so. They are advising that a high yield of quality cotton is the best approach since growers have only limited control over the market price. They suggest this search for yield improvement might begin with an in-depth review of each and every production practice. In some cases, added yield and/or quality can be found with better timing of practices or a better fit of one practice with another. An example is improved disease resistance from a better balance of nutrient inputs. In fact, most management practices work best in a team effort that contributes to improved yield and quality. In this regard, potassium nutrition seems to be especially important for cotton. Potassium’s effect on cotton growth is not as visible as with nitrogen. It performs many of its jobs in a more “behind the scenes” manner. Its functions have led cotton specialists to describe potassium as the “quality element”. In fact, Auburn University scientists have long recognized the key roles
