Fertilizer and Nutrient Dose in Paddy Crop
Paddy, or rice, is one of the widely cultivated crops in the world, especially in Asia. It is the staple food of millions of people and an important commodity for the economy. However, to get a good yield of paddy, it is essential to provide the right amount of fertilizer and nutrients. In this article, we would discuss the fertilizer and nutrient dose required for paddy crop.
Fertilizer Requirement for Paddy Crop
Paddy crop requires three primary macronutrients – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) for optimal growth and development. Other essential secondary macronutrients include Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulphur (S). Furthermore, paddy also requires some micronutrients such as Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Copper (Cu). Since paddy crop is grown in the flooded condition, nutrients in the soil are more likely to get leached, making it difficult for the crop to absorb the required nutrients. Therefore, it is essential to provide supplementary nutrients in the form of fertilizers.
The fertilizer requirement for paddy crop varies depending on the type of soil, rainfall, and crop variety. However, based on research and field experience, a general guideline for the fertilizer requirement for paddy crop is as follows:
– Nitrogen (N): Paddy crop requires a higher amount of nitrogen than other crops. Depending on the variety and soil type, the nitrogen requirement varies from 80-120 kg per hectare. To provide the required nitrogen, farmers can use organic manure, chemical fertilizers like urea, ammonium chloride or ammonium sulphate, or a combination of both.
– Phosphorus (P): Paddy crop requires phosphorus for robust root growth and flowering. The recommended dose of phosphorus is 40-50 kg per hectare. Farmers can use superphosphate or triple superphosphate as a source of phosphorus.
– Potassium (K): Paddy crop requires potassium for various functions, such as improving stem strength, enhancing photosynthesis, and increasing yield. The recommended dose of potassium is 30-40 kg per hectare. Farmers can use potassium chloride or muriate of potash as a source of potassium.
Micronutrient Requirement
Apart from macronutrients, paddy crop also requires micronutrients, such as Zinc, Iron, Manganese, and Copper. Farmers can use foliar sprays or soil application to provide micronutrients.
The recommended micronutrient dose for paddy crop is:
– Zinc (Zn): 5-10 kg per hectare
– Iron (Fe): 2-5 kg per hectare
– Manganese (Mn): 5-10 kg per hectare
– Copper (Cu): 2-4 kg per hectare
Conclusion
Providing the right fertilizer and nutrient dose is essential for optimal growth and development of paddy crop. Farmers should regularly monitor soil conditions and crop growth to adjust the dosage accordingly. Applying the right fertilizer and nutrient dose not only improves yield but also contributes to sustainable farming practices.