The fertilizer management of hybrid cotton enjoys a spectacular difference from that of varieties. The cotton varieties have generally poor vegetative and reproductive growth than the hybrids. The hybrids have the potentiality to bear a higher leaf area per plant much earlier to varieties and require relatively higher nutrition at early stages. Similarly, the hybrid cotton plant bears more fruiting points and has larger bolls. This also necessiates more nutrition. As the nutritional demands at various stages of growth of hybrid cotton can ultimately decide the kappas yields, a careful planning of schedule and quantity of fertilizers is needed in case of hybrid cotton. Nitrogen The hybrid cotton is reported to response upto 320 kg N/ha. But a reduction in Kappas yield, if the level of added nitrogen was increased to 300 kg N/ha. A study of growth pattern of hybrid cotton plant indicates that: A faster rise in the rate of dry matter production leads to higher total dry matter production and accumulation at early stages. Higher leaf area per plant and longer leaf area duration recorded in hybrids at early stages of growth facilitate longer and higher absorption of added nutrients. Overlapping rhythms of leaf, branch, square, flower and boll development necessiates the supply of nutrients at various stages of growth rather than single dose. Several other workers have reported about the benefits of split application of nitrogen to hybrid cotton in increasing the Kappa's yields. Low temperatures reduce the availability of nitrogen to leaves. Severe shortage of nitrogen supply to the leaves causes reddening of leaves and reduce the Kappas yield drastically. Foliar application of nitrogen at flowering and post flowering period is found to be beneficial to increase the Kappas yield. The common recommendation and practice of Nitrogen through foliar feeding is 10-15 kg/ha. Phosphorous Efficiency of nitrogen utilization increases when applied in combination with phosphorous. Generally recommended applying phosphorous as basal dose, particularly in band or spot application to avoid more contact with soil particles. Potassium Application of Potassium increases the fibre maturity, micronaire value and fiber uniformity. Reduces wilt infection. Adequate and timely application of potassium forms good fertilizer management in hybrid cotton. Hybrid cotton has the potentiality to take up as much as 122-125 kg/ha but varies widely in different situations.

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