Effect of irrigation method and nitrogen on yield and quality of winter cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 1994–95 and 1995–96 at Junagadh, to study the effect of irrigation methods and nitrogen levels on yield and quality of winter cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Application of irrigtaion through drip method at 0.8 cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, seed-cotton yield, oil content, seed and lint index than surface, alternate furrow method and drip irrigation at 0.4 CPE. Methods of irrigation did not show significant effect fibre length, fineness and bundle strength. Drip irrigation at 0.8 CPE recorded higher water-use efficiency in winter cotton besides water saving to the extent of 15% on unit basis. Almost all the growth and yield attributes, seed-cotton yield, oil content, seed and lint index increased linearly with the increase in nitrogen level from 80 to 120kgN/ha.