Nutrient Uptake and its Availability as Influenced by Plant Geometry in Bt Cotton

A field investigation was conducted during Kharif season of 2009-10. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. There were twelve treatment combinations comprising three plant geometries viz., 90 cm × 60 cm, 120 cm × 45 cm and 180 cm × 30 cm and four nutrient levels viz., 80:40:40, 100:50:50, 120:60:60 kg NPK/ha and 75 % RDF + 5 t FYM/ha. The plant geometries were allotted to main plot and nutrient levels were accommodated in sub plots. The plant geometry of 90 cm × 60 cm has recorded significantly higher number of sympodias per plant, the number of picked bolls per plant and seed cotton yield per plant over 120 cm × 45 cm and 180 cm × 30 cm. The seed cotton yield per hectare was also higher in plant geometry of 90 cm × 60 cm than 120 cm × 45 cm and 180 cm × 30 cm. The application of nutrient level i.e. 120:60:60 kg NPK/ha was found superior for enhancing growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter. The application of 75% RDF + 5 t FYM/ha was recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield per hectare.