Improving the nitrogen use efficiency of cotton crops through better understanding the role of dissolved organic N

Soil, arguably a farm’s most important asset, relies on its organic matter for soil health and fertility. But in many agricultural systems, organic matter is known to be declining because of management changes. If organic matter is declining, then so too is soil nitrogen.

This project aims to quantify the uptake of DON in different cotton varieties in high-yielding systems. The project outcome will improve cotton nitrogen management by determining the plant nitrogen preference and how it can be managed in different crop environments. Better management potentially raises productivity and reduces environmental impacts.