Why Cotton Needs Iron
Iron is an essential nutrient for Cotton growth and development. Iron deficiency (chlorosis) is common in high pH calcareous soils across India and globally.
In India, Iron Deficiency is particularly common in Cotton grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Punjab due to specific soil conditions in these regions.
Visual Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Cotton
🔍 What to look for in your Cotton field:
Soil Causes of Iron Deficiency in Cotton
Iron Deficiency in Cotton is commonly caused by: Alkaline soils, waterlogged conditions, high phosphorus soils
A soil test is the most reliable way to confirm Iron deficiency. Use SoilPro's NPK Calculator to get fertilizer recommendations based on your soil test values.
How to Correct Iron Deficiency in Cotton
| Product | Application Method | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrous Sulphate 19% (foliar 0.5%) | Foliar spray | foliar 0.5% | Vegetative stage |
| FeSO4 soil application (20 kg/acre) | Soil | 20 kg/acre | Pre-sowing |
| Fe-EDTA foliar | Foliar spray | As per label | Vegetative stage |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Cotton?
young leaf yellowing with green veins (interveinal chlorosis in young leaves), pale green color overall
How quickly can I fix Iron Deficiency in Cotton?
Foliar sprays show improvement in 7-10 days. Soil applications take 2-3 weeks. Severe deficiency may need 2-3 foliar sprays at weekly intervals.
Does Iron Deficiency affect Cotton yield?
Yes significantly. Iron deficiency reduces Cotton yield by 20-50% depending on severity. It also reduces fruit/grain quality.
Which soil test should I do for Cotton?
Test for pH, EC, N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, B, and organic carbon. SoilPro can interpret any soil test report and give crop-specific recommendations.