Sure, here’s an article on Fertilizer Dose in Sunflower Crop:
Sunflower is a popular cash crop grown worldwide for its edible oil and seeds. It is a hardy crop that can grow in different soil types, but to achieve high yield and optimum quality, it requires proper nutrient management. One of the critical factors for the success of sunflower cultivation is the application of the right dose of fertilizers.
Fertilizer dose varies based on soil type, climate, variety, and crop stage. A general recommendation for sunflower cultivation is to apply 70-90 kg N, 40-50 kg P2O5, and 30-40 kg K2O per hectare. However, it is necessary to conduct soil tests to determine the exact nutrient status of the soil and adjust the fertilization accordingly.
During the early growth stage, sunflower requires a sufficient amount of nitrogen for proper plant development. Therefore, farmers should provide around 30 kg N per hectare during the first month after sowing. The remaining nitrogen should be applied in split doses during the vegetative and flowering stages. Phosphorus is essential for root development, early flowering, and seed formation. Therefore, farmers should apply phosphorus fertilizers at sowing or planting.
Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the water balance of the plant and increasing crop resistance to drought, pests, and diseases. Potassium deficiency in sunflower results in yellowing of the leaves and poor root development. Therefore, farmers should apply potassium fertilizers during the early stages of plant growth and after flowering.
Apart from macronutrients, sunflower also requires micronutrients such as zinc, boron, and manganese in small amounts. These elements are involved in various biochemical reactions and play essential roles in plant growth and development. Farmers should apply micronutrient fertilizers based on the soil test report and crop requirements.
In conclusion, sunflower crop requires proper nutrient management for high yield and quality. Farmers should conduct soil tests, apply the right dose of fertilizers, and follow a nutrient management plan that considers the crop stage and requirements. By providing adequate nutrition, farmers can improve the yield potential and profitability of the sunflower crop.