Comparative Effects of Fermented Cattle Manure and Synthetic Fertilization on Cotton Yield and Fibre Quality

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of fermented granular commercial farmyard manure on cotton yield and quality, aiming to identify optimal manure and reduced synthetic fertilizer combinations for maximizing production, lowering costs, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Conducted over two growing seasons in Diyarbakir, Turkey, the research employed a randomized block design. Ten fertilizer applications were tested, including varying amounts of processed granular commercial cattle manure (170-300 kg da- 1), commercial synthetic fertilizer (9 N + 9P/9 N kg da- 1), and a control group. Plant height, chlorophyll content, yield, and ginning percentage were measured. Fertilizer doses did not significantly affect plant height or chlorophyll content. However, they significantly impacted yield and ginning percentage. Combining farmyard manure with reduced synthetic fertilizers resulted in similar or higher yields than synthetic fertilizers alone. The highest cotton production was observed with manure applications at 260 M /0 N and 260 M/4.5 N kg da- 1. Elevated temperatures in the second year negatively affected overall yields, but manure applications provided better protection and yield outcomes compared to synthetic fertilizer treatments. Utilizing organic fertilizer, alone or with reduced synthetic fertilizer, can promote sustainable agriculture by offering economic and environmental benefits. Farmyard manure can enhance soil structure and fertility, lessening reliance on synthetic fertilizers and potentially mitigating the adverse effects of global warming on crop yields.