Cotton requires soils of medium composition, deep, with good water content and with organic matter not exceeding 3%, pH 6-7.5 and free calcium carbonate up to 10%. Extremely acidic soils show manganese or aluminium toxicity whereas phosphorus and micronutrient (e.g. zinc, iron, etc.) fixation occurs in highly alkaline conditions.

Nitrogen has more influence on the germination yield of cotton and less on its fibre yield. Sufficient nitrogen increases vegetative growth, seed and nut weight, prolonging the fruitage period. The crop requirements range from 12-18 kg of nitrogen per stremma, of which 60-70% is provided as a basal fertilizer before or during sowing in ammonia or urate form. The remaining nitrogen is provided by surface fertilization in ammoniacal and urate form from the emergence of the plants until the beginning of flowering.

Phosphorus contributes to the rapid and proper development of the root system, a factor that is closely linked to the early production. The crop’s phosphorus requirement ranges from 4-7 kg per stremma and is applied 100% during the basal fertilization.

Potassium is particularly suitable in lightly leached soils with an acidic reaction and in heavy loamy soils. Potassium significantly increases crop yields and is applied as part of the basal fertilization in quantities of 8-12 kg per stremma.

As for the other elements, calcium and sulphur deficiencies are rarely observed as only small quantities are removed from the soil during harvesting. In cases of acid soils, magnesium in the form of magnesium sulphate is applied during the basal fertilization in the amount of 2-4 kg per stremma. Boron, zinc and other trace element deficiencies may be covered by foliar spraying during cultivation, where appropriate.

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