Evaluation of the effect of irrigation methods, various levels of water and nitrogen fertilizer on Quality of Cotton

The effects of irrigation methods, various levels of water and nitrogen fertilizer on quality of cotton were studied at Hashemabad Cotton Research Station of Gorgan in 2008. The experiment was conducted in split-split plot design with three replications. Irrigation methods of Furrow and Sprinkler were main plots, various levels of water of 0%, 33%, 66%, 100% and 133% were subplots plots and various levels of nitrogen fertilizer of 0%, 33%, 66%, 100% and 133% were sub-sub. The results showed that the effect of irrigation methods were significant on Fiber length, Uniform rate, Strength value and Elasticity (P<0/01). Generally, the fiber quality of cotton was better on irrigation methods of Sprinkler than Furrow. Levels of irrigation water significantly affected on the entire fiber quality of cotton except the Elasticity. It was found that the highest Uniform rate, Strength value and Micronaire were obtained in treatments 66%, 100% and 133% of irrigation water. The effect of levels of nitrogen showed significant difference on Elasticity (P<0/05) but was insignificant on Fiber length, Uniform rate, Strength value and Micronaire. The results revealed that the highest Elasticity was obtained in treatment 33% of nitrogen fertilizer. According to the results of this investigation, irrigation methods of Sprinkler and treatment 66% of irrigation water were recommended for reaching the best quality of cotton.