FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.orgCreated in Zambia, July 2015
Benefits of fertilizers in cotton production
Recognize the problem
Cotton (Butonje in Tonga) is grown without fertilisers by some farmers. The
lack of fertiliser prevents the plant from reaching the full variety height. It may
have fewer branches and fewer or smaller bolls. Plants may show stunted
growth over large areas of the field.
Background
Many farmers are only producing 6-7 bales (about 80 kilograms) of cotton per
hectare instead of 15-18 possible bales per hectare (about 200 kilograms).
There are many reasons but most often, this is as a result of not applying
fertiliser. Fertilisers are a source of food for the plants that is needed for roots,
branches and fruits to grow. Every season, cotton plants use nutrients from the
soil. If nutrients are not reapplied by fertilizers, yields become less and less.
Normally the cost of fertilisers is lower than the money gained from the
increased yield.
Management
• Apply basal fertiliser “compound D” just before planting or during
planting. Compound D contains Nitrogen (N) for vegetative growth,
Phosphorous (P) for root growth and Potassium (K) for fruiting. They are
also called NPK fertilisers.
• The usual compound D fertiliser rate in cotton is two 50 kilogram bags
per hectare. Richer soils may need a bit less, poorer soils may need a bit
more.
• In rip line planting, use a Vaseline bottle (100millilitre) full with fertiliser
per 20 pace.
• In basin planting, use 1 filled number-8-cup or match box (6.5 grams)
per basin. Top dress with urea 4 weeks after planting
• The usual urea fertiliser rate is one 50 kilogram bag per hectare. Richer
soils may need a bit less, poorer soils may need a bit more.
• In a rip line growing, use half a Vaseline bottle of urea per 20 pace
• In basins growing, put a half filled number-8-cup per basin onto or into
soil. Caution: urea application must be done 5-7 cm away from the plant
to avoid having a negative effect on the plant.
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to: Zambia
Authors: Chipo Mulongo Mweete
Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock
tel: +260 979 391 415 email: chipomulongo@yahoo.com
Edited by Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
ZM059En
Lose Less, Feed More
Cotton at 8 weeks of growth. The
growth is stunted and uneven
because of lack of fertilizer. (Photo
by Chipo)
Putting fertiliser in the basin with a
number 8 cup. (Photo by Chipo)
