What is the consequence of excessive nitrogen in cotton crops?

Excessive nitrogen in cotton crops leads to increased vegetative growth at the expense of yield because nitrogen is a key nutrient that promotes growth, particularly in the vegetative stage of the plant. When nitrogen levels are too high, cotton plants tend to focus their energy on producing leaves and stems rather than developing fruiting bodies, such as bolls, which are essential for cotton production. This can result in a lush, green plant with ample foliage but fewer bolls, ultimately leading to lower overall yield.

The other options are not as relevant in this context. For instance, while excessive nitrogen might seem like it could potentially impact flowering, the more direct consequence is that it favors vegetative growth over reproductive processes. Increased fibrous root growth is not typically a direct response to excess nitrogen; rather, it can be influenced more by other factors like soil structure and moisture availability. Enhanced drought resistance is also not a consequence of excessive nitrogen, as over-fertilization can lead to imbalances that might actually make plants more susceptible to stress.