Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is the second most limiting nutrient in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production after nitrogen.
Under wheat-cotton cropping system of Pakistan most of the farmers apply P fertilizer only to wheat crop. A field
experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fertilizer P on the growth, yield and fibre quality of cotton on a
sandy loam calcareous soil at farmer’s field in cotton growing area of district Khanewal, Punjab. Five levels of P
(0, 17, 26, 34 and 43 kg P ha-1) along with 120 kg N and 53 kg K ha-1 were applied. The response of cotton
growth parameters was greater than quality components to P addition in calcareous soil. There was significant
increase in the growth and yield parameters with each additional rate of P. The response of number of bolls per
plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield was to the tune of 88.23, 16.82 and 42%, respectively at P application rate
of 34 kg ha-1. Cotton quality components (lint %age, fiber length and fiber strength) improved from 2 to 5% where
43 kg P ha-1 was added. The lint and seed P concentration was little affected by P application as compared to
stem and leaves showing its essentiality for cell division and development of meristematic tissue. Phosphorus
use, thus not only valuable for wheat crop but also its application to cotton crop is of vital importance in improving
both lint yield and quality
