Optimizing Pyroxasulfone-Coated Fertilizer in Cotton

Abstract

Two studies were conducted in 2022 and 2023 near Rocky Mount and Clayton, NC, to determine the optimal granular ammonium sulfate (AMS) rate and application timing for pyroxasulfone-coated AMS. In the rate study, AMS rates included 161, 214, 267, 321, 374, 428, and 481 kg ha^-1, equivalent to 34, 45, 56, 67, 79, 90, and 101 kg N ha^-1, respectively. All rates were coated with pyroxasulfone at 118 g ai ha^-1 and top-dressed onto 5- to 7-leaf cotton. In the timing study, pyroxasulfone (118 g ai ha^-1) was coated on AMS and top-dressed at 321 kg ha^-1 (67 kg N ha^-1) onto 5- to 7-leaf, 9- to 11-leaf, and first bloom cotton. In both studies, weed control and cotton tolerance to pyroxasulfone-coated AMS was compared to pyroxasulfone applied postemergence (POST) and postemergence-directed (POST-directed). The check in both studies received non-herbicide-treated AMS (321 kg ha^-1). Before treatment applications, all plots (including the check) were maintained weed-free with glyphosate and glufosinate. In both studies, pyroxasulfone applied POST was most injurious (8 to 16%), while pyroxasulfone-coated AMS resulted in ≤ 4% injury. Additionally, no differences in cotton lint yield were observed in both studies. With the exception of the lowest rate of AMS (161 kg ha^-1; 79%), all AMS rates coated with pyroxasulfone controlled Palmer amaranth ≥ 83%, comparable to pyroxasulfone applied POST (92%) and POST-directed (89%). In the timing study, the application method did not affect Palmer amaranth control; however, applications made at the mid- and late timings outperformed early applications. These results indicate pyroxasulfone-coated AMS can control Palmer amaranth comparable to pyroxasulfone applied POST and POST-directed, with minimal risk of cotton injury. However, the application timing could warrant additional treatment to achieve adequate late-season weed control.