Amino acid technology contributes to cotton yield increase

While North America prepares to hunker down for the winter, December marks the beginning of the cotton planting season in Mato Grosso, a state in the western region of Brazil that is the country’s main producer of the crop.

The area faces several challenges due to weather, soil quality and pests, such as the boll weevil. Nutritional management during plant development is therefore essential in aiding the grower to obtain good results at harvest. In Mato Grosso, growers who are using amino acid-based solutions are already seeing healthier cotton crops that are expected to result in yield increases.

Cotton is a very demanding crop, requiring careful management throughout the growing cycle in order to ensure boll set, which directly reflects productivity potential. Poor soil and nutrient deficiencies can quickly affect yield potential if not corrected.

Benefits of amino acid technology for crops, such as cotton

“Amino acids facilitate the uptake of micronutrients such as boron and manganese, resulting in improved development, nutrition and fill,” explains Brazilian cotton consultant Thiago Ferreira Gomes.

Gomes notes that the nature of amino acids allows for easier nutrient absorption by the cotton plant without an increase in stress.

Similar challenges to those facing Mato Grosso can be found in Texas and Georgia as well as other cotton-growing areas of North America, where successful yields are also being reached through proper management and nutrition.

“Using amino acid technology reduces environmental stress and increases plant health, which can result in increased yields and profitability,” says Carly Borel, Alltech Crop Science business development manager.

Recent wheat research at the University of Kentucky also demonstrated the benefits of amino acid technology.