Influence of Nitrogen on Weed Competition in Cotton

Abstract

Cotton maintained free of annual grass and broadleaf weeds for 6 or more weeks after emergence in 1969 produced maximum yields, whereas in 1970 and 1971, 8 or more weeks of weed-free maintenance were required. Nitrogen applications at planting of 67 and 100 kg/ha did not influence the weed-free requirement of cotton in any year. Cotton yields were not reduced in 1969 when weeds were allowed to compete for 4 or 2 weeks. In 1970 and 1971 weed competition for 7 or fewer weeks did not result in yield reductions. Nitrogen did not affect the competitive relationship between cotton and weeds in 1969 and 1971. In 1970, however, cotton tolerated only 6 weeks of competition at the zero nitrogen rate, whereas it tolerated 7 weeks of competition at the 67 and 100 kg/ha nitrogen rates. Height and stem diameter of cotton were less reliable indicators of the crop-weed relationship than was yield. Neither height nor stem diameter of cotton revealed a consistent difference in the competitive relationship at the three nitrogen rates.