Nitrogen Fertilizer and Its Residual Effect on Cotton Yield and Biomass Accumulation

[Objective] The optimum nitrogen rate of 300 kg·hm^－2 is well documented for cotton in the Yangtze River Valley, China. It can be reduced to 225 kg·hm^－2 without reducing yield in late sowing under high planting density. The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of further reducing the nitrogen application rate at the first flower stage, its residual effects and influence on cotton yield formation rule. [Method] A pot experiment was conducted with five nitrogen levels (120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 kg·hm^－2) in 2014, but only 180 kg·hm^－2(for studying nitrogen residual effect) in 2015, to study the cotton growth process, yield and its components and biomass accumulation. [Result] Nitrogen levels significantly affected the yield and biomass accumulation, but not the growth process and nitrogen residual effect. Maximum seed cotton yield (30.5 g·plant^－1), boll weight (3.8 g) and biomass accumulation, especially in the reproductive and vegetative organs, was recorded in the 180 kg·hm^－2 nitrogen treatment. In the rapid accumulation period, the proportion of biomass accumulation in the reproductive organs was the highest. [Conclusion] In a soil with medium fertility level, the application of 180 kg·hm^－2 nitrogen was optimal, because the strength of biomass accumulation in reproductive organs increased during the rapid accumulation period.