Productivity and profitability of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) under various plant geometry and fertilizer levels

Field experiments were conducted for 3 years at Akola during kharif 2006–07 to 2008–09, to find out the impact of plant geometry and levels of N, P and K fertilization on performance of Bt cotton. From the pooled analysis of 3 years data, it was observed that 90 cm × 45 cm spacing recorded 50.5 and 17.7% higher seed cotton yield than 90 cm × 90 cm and 90 cm × 60 cm spacing, respectively. Wider spacing plants had more boll/plants (23.1) than closer spaced (20.8 bolls/plant). Application of 125% recommended dose of fertilizer/ha was at par with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) i.e. 50-25-25 kg N-P-K/ha and significantly higher than 75% RDF. Increase in yield was due to improvement in bolls/plant. There was increasing trend in N, M and R with increasing N, P and K levels. Monetary returns showed increasing trend with decreasing intra row spacing. Consequently spacing of 90cm × 45 cm and recommended dose of fertilizer of non Bt (50-25-25 kg N-P-K/ha) were found suitable for RCH-2 Bt cotton also under rainfed conditions.