We investigated the dynamics of N and P availability in the rhizosphere of Bt and non-Bt cotton crops during their growth.  In a net-house pot culture experiment at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, Bt-cotton (cv. MRC-6301Bt) and its non-transgenic near-isoline (MRC-6301) were grown on a sandy loam soil until maturity.  A control (no-crop) treatment was also included.  Rhizosphere soil and root samples were collected at 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing (DAS).  Soil samples were analysed for dehydrogenase activity, soil respiration, mineral-N and Olsen-P.  Results have revealed a significant reduction in dehydrogenase activity (-17 %) and soil respiration (-3.5 %) in the rhizosphere of Bt-cotton over non-Bt isoline.  Total mineral-N in soil was reduced by 14 %, whereas Olsen-P was increased by 8 % because of Bt-cotton.  Root biomass yields were not different (P > 0.05), but root volume was significantly higher in Bt than non-Bt isoline.  Time of sampling strongly (P < 0.05) affected the above parameters, showing their highest values at 60 or 90 DAS.  A significant interactive effect of sampling time and treatments was also indicated.  Our results suggest that Bt-cotton may constrain the availability of N, but enhances P-availability in these soils.