Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of nutrient content in the topsoil of high-yield cotton fields in the 7^th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and to provide scientific fertilization basis for cotton production. Topsoil samples from high-yield cotton fields in seven major cotton planting regiment towns of the 7^th Division reclamation area were analyzed. Using the method of combining field sampling and laboratory test, with reference to The Soil Nutrient Classification Standard of Xinjiang Cotton Fields and The Soil Salinization Degree Classification Standard of Xinjiang, statistical methods were employed to evaluate soil nutrient content and salinity. The results showed that soil pH in the plough layer ranged from 7.58 to 8.10 (neutral to slightly alkaline); total soluble salt averaged 1.81 g/kg (non-saline to mildly saline); soil organic matter averaged 12.39 g/kg (deficient); total nitrogen averaged 0.105% (high); available phosphorus and potassium averaged 28.33 mg/kg (medium) and 409.91 mg/kg (high), respectively. For micronutrients, available boron averaged 2.56 mg/kg (high); zinc averaged 0.55 mg/kg (medium-low); iron averaged 10.93 mg/kg (medium-high); manganese averaged 5.96 mg/kg (low), and copper averaged 1.04 mg/kg (medium-high). Fertilization strategies are recommended that nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers should be rationally applied in production, the amount of potassium fertilizer should be properly controlled, and the sufficient application of organic fertilizer should be ensured. In addition, attention should be paid to the supplement of trace elements such as zinc and manganese, and boron, iron and copper fertilizers should be applied according to the growth of cotton.

Key words: 7^th Division reclamation area, cotton fields, soil nutrients, element content, scientific fertilization