Impact of Bt cotton on soils of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

A survey was undertaken to study dry matter production, nutrient uptake and yield of Bt cotton grown in soils belonging to three different orders (inceptisols, alfisols and vertisols) in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. There is no much variation in dry matter production of Bt cotton grown in inceptisols, alfisols and vertisols. Bt cotton grown in vertisols recorded the maximum mean uptake of N, P and K as compared to Bt cotton grown in alfisols and inceptisols. Similarly,Bt cotton grown in vertisols exhibited maximum mean uptake of Mg and S as compared to Bt cotton grown in inceptisols and alfisols. However, Bt cotton grown in inceptisols showed maximum mean uptake of Ca. The highest seed cotton yield was observed in Bt cotton grown in vertisols.