Knowledge on nitrogen (N) utilization efficiency in colored cotton enables the correct management of N fertilizers, optimizing yield and minimizing environmental degradation.The objective of this study was to evaluate the… Click to show full abstract
Knowledge on nitrogen (N) utilization efficiency in colored cotton enables the correct management of N fertilizers, optimizing yield and minimizing environmental degradation.The objective of this study was to evaluate the N utilization efficiency and to determine the accumulation of dry matter and N by naturally colored cotton cultivars subjected to N fertilization in the Brazilian semi-arid region.The experiment was carried out under field conditions, at the Farm of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid, in 2016 and 2017. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with split plots and four replicates, randomizing five N doses (0; 50; 100; 150 and 200 kg ha-1) in the main plot and four colored cotton cultivars (BRS Safira, BRS Rubi, BRS Topazio and BRS Verde) in the subplots. Dry matter and N accumulations, agronomic, recovery, agrophysiological and physiological efficiencies in N utilization, and harvest index were evaluated. Cotton accumulates around 130 kg ha-1 of N along its cycle and directs 56.3% to seeds, 29% to leaves, 10.6% to stem and 3.8% to fibers. Nitrogen agronomic efficiency and recovery efficiency decrease with increased N doses. The cultivar BRS Topazio is the most responsive to N fertilization and the cultivar BRS Verde is the least responsive.
               
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