Application of Information Technology in Soil Nutrient Management and Balanced Fertilization in Xinjiang

Xinjiang is the largest cotton production area in China, and thereby, the primary focus for nutrient management research. According to previous work, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were considered the main limiting nutrient factors, followed by zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and boron (B). The contribution of fertilizer application to cotton yield was about 26 percent.

A total of 186 soil samples collected from a monitoring village are being analyzed for nutrient variability, and a detailed report will be provided next year. Other information on fertilization and related farming practices of 10 households was collected as well.

Through balanced fertilization, each kg of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O increased lint yields by 1.76, 2.37 and 3.22 kg/ha, respectively, indicating that K provides the greatest contribution. The nutrient requirement pattern indicated more P and K were needed during the productive stage than the vegetative stage. It is vital to supply enough P and K during flowering/budding and bolling stages. More K and P are needed to increase yield and quality of cotton in Xinjiang. XINJIANG-NMS02