Title: Fertilizer Dosage in Bengal Gram Crop: An Essential Practice for Optimal Yield
Introduction:
Bengal gram, also known as chickpea or chana, is an important pulse crop widely cultivated for its nutritional value and versatility. To ensure high-quality yield, farmers need to understand the proper application of fertilizers, which play a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity and overall health. This article aims to provide insights into the recommended fertilizer dosage for Bengal gram cultivation.
Soil Testing:
Before applying any fertilizers, it is essential to conduct a thorough soil analysis. Soil testing helps determine the soil’s nutrient content, pH levels, and other characteristics crucial for effective fertilizer application. Based on the soil test results, farmers can tailor their fertilizer application to rectify any nutrient deficiencies and maintain optimal soil conditions.
Recommended Fertilizer Dosage:
The recommended fertilizer dosage for Bengal gram is generally based on the NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) ratio specific to the crop’s growth stages. Proper nutrient management during each stage is vital for maximizing yield potential.
1. Seed Treatment:
To enhance germination and seedling vigor, a pre-sowing seed treatment is recommended. Treating the seeds with a combination of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens can help prevent seed and soil-borne diseases, promoting healthy plant establishment.
2. Basal Application:
At the time of sowing, a balanced dose of fertilizers is applied to the soil. The usual recommended dosage for an acre of Bengal gram crop is around 20-25 kg of Nitrogen (N), 30-35 kg of Phosphorus (P2O5), and 20-25 kg of Potassium (K2O).
3. Split Application:
For optimal nutrient uptake and utilization by the plants, dividing the fertilizer application into multiple splits is advisable. Generally, a split application is done at the vegetative stage and the flowering stage.
a. At the vegetative stage (around 30-45 days after sowing), apply 10-15 kg of Nitrogen (N) in the form of urea per acre.
b. At the flowering stage (around 60-75 days after sowing), apply a similar dose of 10-15 kg of Nitrogen (N) in the form of urea.
4. Micronutrient Requirements:
Apart from the primary macronutrients (NPK), Bengal gram cultivation may also require the addition of essential micronutrients like zinc (Zn) and boron (B), especially in zinc and boron-deficient soils, respectively. The application of 20-25 kg of zinc sulfate per acre and 2-3 kg of borax per acre is recommended to fulfill these micronutrient requirements.
Conclusion:
Optimizing fertilizer dosage in Bengal gram crop cultivation is vital to achieve optimum productivity and ensure nutrient balance. Farmers should consider soil testing, seed treatment, and stage-wise fertilizer application, including both macronutrients and micronutrients. By adopting these recommended practices, growers can promote healthy growth, improve soil fertility, and maximize the yield potential of this essential pulse crop.