Sure, here’s an article on fertilizer dosage in Basmati paddy crop:
Title: Achieving High-Yields: The Right Fertilizer Dose for Basmati Paddy Crop
Introduction:
Basmati paddy is a highly valued aromatic rice variety popular for its long-grain, distinctive flavor, and pleasant aroma. To maximize its yield potential, farmers must pay careful attention to the application of fertilizers. This article will provide insights into the appropriate fertilizer dosage for Basmati paddy crop, helping farmers achieve optimal growth, yield, and quality of this valuable rice variety.
Understanding Nutrient Requirements:
Basmati paddy has specific nutrient requirements throughout its growth stages. The application of fertilizers should be tailored to meet these requirements and ensure balanced nutrition for healthy crop development. The primary nutrients needed by the rice plants are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), alongside secondary and micronutrients like sulfur, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Pre-Planting Fertilizer Application:
Before the rice seedlings are transplanted into the paddy fields, it is crucial to provide a fertile soil base. This is achieved by applying a basal dose of fertilizers. Typically, a recommended dosage of 80-120 kg of nitrogen, 40-60 kg of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), and 40-60 kg of potassium oxide (K2O) per hectare is applied. This should be mixed well into the soil during land preparation.
Splitting Nitrogen Doses:
Nitrogen is vital for the vegetative growth of Basmati paddy. It should be applied in split doses to ensure optimal nutrient uptake and reduce the risk of nitrogen losses. Farmers may choose to follow a 50:25:25 ratio, giving 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose as basal application, and the remaining 50% in two equal splits at specific crop stages. Typically, the first split is applied around ten to 15 days after transplanting (DAT), while the second split is given around 30-35 DAT.
Phosphorus and Potassium Application:
Phosphorus plays a crucial role in root development and early crop establishment. The basal dose is usually sufficient to meet the phosphorus requirements of Basmati paddy. However, if soil test results suggest deficiencies, farmers may consider a top-dressing application of phosphorus-based fertilizers during the early growth stages.
Potassium is essential for overall plant health, disease resistance, and grain quality. Similar to phosphorus, it is commonly applied as part of the basal dose. If necessary, a top-dressing application may be considered after the panicle initiation stage (50-60 DAT) to boost the crop’s potassium levels.
Importance of Micronutrients:
While primary nutrients receive primary attention, micronutrients are equally important for Basmati paddy crops. Deficiencies of zinc, iron, and magnesium are commonly observed in paddy-growing areas. Applying chelated forms of these micronutrients during the seedling stage or as foliar sprays can significantly improve nutrient availability and crop health.
Conclusion:
Finding the right fertilizer dose for Basmati paddy crop is essential to ensure optimum growth, yield, and grain quality. Farmers should consider the recommended dose of primary nutrients, split nitrogen application, and address any deficiencies of secondary and micronutrients. Adhering to these practices will not only contribute to increasing paddy yield but also improve the overall profitability and sustainability of Basmati rice cultivation.