[Objective] This study aimed to explore an optimum application amount of nitrogen for cotton cultivation. [Method] In this study, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen application amount on the growth characteristics, boll development and lint yield of high quality cotton line FZ-1. [Result] Compared with the nitrogen level of 225 kg/hm2, the lint yield had increased by 28.46% and 18.73%, respectively, with the nitrogen application amount of 300 and 375 kg/hm2. When the nitrogen application amount had increased from 225 to 300 kg/hm2, boll number per plant, boll weight and lint yield had significantly increased. At the nitrogen level of 375 kg/hm2, however, the effects of increasing lint yield were significantly less than that at the nitrogen level of 300 kg/hm2. Compared with the nitrogen levels of 225 and 375, 300 kg/hm2 of nitrogen was the optimum application amount to improve the plant height, daily increment of plant height, number of fruit branches, number ratio of nodes to fruit branches, boll volume and seed cotton weight per boll. [Conclusion] The rational management of nitrogen is the most effective way to promote the growth and development of cotton plants, ensure high yielding ability and minimize the environmental pollution caused by the overuse of nitrogen. This study had provided a sound nitrogen application strategy for the cultivation of this high-quality cotton line in the field plantation.
