As garlic is a heavy feeder, it requires appropriate fertilization for optimal growth and yield. Proper fertilizer dosage is one of the crucial factors to consider for successful garlic cultivation. Here are the key points you need to know about fertilizer dosage in garlic crop.
1. Soil Test:
Before applying fertilizers, it is essential to get a soil test done from a credible laboratory. The soil test report provides detailed information about the nutrient content, pH level, and other vital parameters of the soil.
2. Macronutrients:
Garlic plant requires three primary macronutrients – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), in varying quantities throughout its life cycle. All three macronutrients are important, but their usage and dosage depend on the growth stage of the crop.
3. Nitrogen dosage:
In the vegetative stage (from planting until the garlic bulb begins to form), garlic requires a higher amount of nitrogen fertilizer. Typically, a dosage of 50 to 75 kg/ha of nitrogen is sufficient.
4. Phosphorus dosage:
Phosphorus plays a key role in root development and overall plant growth. The garlic plant needs an adequate supply of phosphorus throughout the entire growing season. A dosage of 40 kg/ha of phosphorus is sufficient for the crop.
5. Potassium dosage:
Potassium is essential for the final bulb formation and overall quality of the garlic crop. A dosage of 70 to 90 kg/ha of potassium is generally recommended for garlic cultivation.
6. Micronutrients:
Micronutrients such as Zinc (Z), Iron (Fe), Boron (B), and Manganese (Mn) are also important for garlic growth. These micronutrients can be applied either through soil or foliar spray.
7. Organic fertilizers:
The use of organic fertilizers like compost, manure, and bone meal can improve soil fertility and provide long-term nutrient availability for garlic growth.
8. Timing and method:
Applying the fertilizers at the right time and using the appropriate method is crucial. Typically, a split dose of fertilizer is recommended, where one-third of the fertilizers are applied during planting, one-third after 30-35 days, and the remaining third after 60-65 days.
9. Water management:
Garlic is highly sensitive to water stress, and proper irrigation is required to ensure the plant gets an adequate supply of water and nutrients. Over-irrigation or under-irrigation may affect the growth and yield of the crop.
10. Foliar Spray:
Foliar spray can be used as an effective method to provide a required dosage of micronutrients to the garlic crop. However, the dose and frequency of spray should be determined based on the crop stage and nutrient deficiency.
In Conclusion, fertilizing garlic crop at the right dosage is essential for maintaining healthy growth and maximum yield. The use of organic fertilizers and timely application of macronutrients and micronutrients can significantly improve the quality and quantity of the garlic crop.