Nitrogen fertilization and plant development of cotton as determined by nodes above white flower 1

Abstract Early maturation is very beneficial in successfully harvesting a high‐quality, high‐yielding cotton (Gossypium hirstum L.) crop. If harvest is delayed until inclement weather patterns are established, both yield and fiber quality may be lost. The objective of these studies was to determine the maturity differences that occur in cotton differentially fertilized with nitrogen (N). Field experiments with irrigated cotton were conducted in 1990 and 1991 in three locations to study the effects of soil applied N rates on cotton maturity as estimated by nodes above white flower (NAWF) measurements. The test sites and soils were a production field near Manila, AR, on a Dundee sandy loam (fine‐silty, mixed, thermic Aeric Ochraqualfs), the Southeast Branch Experiment Station (SEBES) near Rohwer, AR, on an Hebert silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, thermic Aeric Ochraqualfs), and the Northeast Research and Extension Center (NEREC) near Keiser, AR, on a Sharkey silty clay (very fine, montmorillonitic, nonacid, the...