Growing with AGGRAND

Using AGGRAND to Grow Cotton

Cotton is a heavy feeder and requires large amounts of nutrients, especially phosphorus (P). P is usually the limiting factor in cotton production through early boll formation, but nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are important during early plant growth and development when soil conditions limit their uptake. The addition of N along with P applications optimizes the crop response, but too much N during late vegetative growth may inhibit and delay boll formation. The addition of K increases disease tolerance and produces higher quality lint. Cotton responds to AGGRAND fertilizers when they are applied in pre-plant broadcast applications, banded applications at planting and as foliar and root applications after emergence.

To obtain the most comprehensive understanding of the nutrient levels and crop requirements of a particular soil, AGGRAND recommends a soil analysis be performed before determining a fertilization program. Soil Analysis Kits (G1374) are available from AGGRAND at a nominal cost.

Broadcast Applications

Apply 3-4 gallons /acre of AGGRAND 4-3-3 Natural Fertilizer Mixed in 40-60 gallons of water. Apply solution to one acre in spring or fall (apply two applications if soil is hard and low in organic matter). AND/OR

And/Or

Banded Applications

Apply 2-3 gallons/acre of AGGRAND 4-3-3 Natural Fertilizer, 1-2 gallons/acre of AGGRAND Natural Bonemeal 0-12-0 and 1 qt/acre of AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash 0-0-8 mixed with 30-40 gallons of water.

Foliar Applications

  1. At 4-6” in height, apply 1-2 gallons/acre of AGGRAND 4-3-3, 2-3 gallons/acre of Aggrand Natural Bonemeal 0-12-0 and 1-2 qts/acre of AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash mixed with 40-100 gallons of water as a fine mist, with enough solution to thoroughly cover leaves (increase spray volume as crop develops to ensure thorough coverage).
  2. At pre-bloom, if more nitrogen is needed, apply 1-2 gallons/acre of 4-3-3, 2-3 gallons/acre of 0-12-0 and 1 qt/acre of 0-0-8 mixed with 40-100 gallons of water.
  3. At pre-bloom, if less Nitrogen is needed, apply 2-3 gallons/acre of 0-12-0 and 1 quart/acre of 0-0-8 mixed with 20-50 gallons of water. No 4-3-3 need be applied here.

If there is irrigation available, foliar applications can be applied through the irrigation system whether it is:

  1. Center pivot
  2. Wheeled
  3. Gun
  4. Or Drip

The addition of a biodegradable surfactant increases uptake by increasing adhesion to the leaf surface. Apply AGGRAND in early morning or late evening. Do not apply before or after rainfall or irrigation. To reduce clogging when employing standard field sprayers, use 5-series or larger turbo flood jet nozzles when applying AGGRAND.

To reduce susceptibility to attack of insect and disease causing organisms, apply 1 gallon of AGGRAND 4-3-3/acre when signs of infestation begin to become apparent. AGGRAND added to the spray tank reduces the pesticide needed to obtain effective control by 1/3 to ½. Some growers are finding that AGGRAND applications alone eliminate the need for pesticide applications when they are applied at the same time as pesticides.