Black gram, also known as Vigna mungo, is an important grain legume crop that is widely grown and consumed across India. It is an important source of protein and other essential nutrients, making it an important crop for the country’s food security. Black gram also plays a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility and can help to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. In this article, we will explore the fertilization management of black gram, specifically in the context of rainfed farming.
Basal fertilization is the practice of applying fertilizers during the planting of a crop. It involves adding a mixture of nutrients and minerals to the soil that will provide essential support to a crop’s growth and development. The following are the essential nutrients required for black gram growth:
– Nitrogen (N)
– Phosphorus (P)
– Potassium (K)
For rainfed black gram, the following are the recommended basal fertilizers:
1. Nitrogen
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for black gram growth. It is required for the formation of chlorophyll, which is responsible for the green color of the leaves. Nitrogen also plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, which is a major component of black gram grains. For rainfed black gram, the recommended basal nitrogen fertilizer is urea. It is recommended to apply 20-30 kg of urea per acre during the preparation of the field.
2. Phosphorus
Phosphorus is another essential nutrient required for black gram growth. It plays a crucial role in the development of roots and stems and is required for the formulation of nucleic acids and proteins. For rainfed black gram, the recommended basal phosphorus fertilizer is superphosphate. It is recommended to apply 50-60 kg of superphosphate per acre during the preparation of the field.
3. Potassium
Potassium is also an essential nutrient for black gram growth. It is required for the proper functioning of plant enzymes and the regulation of water balance in plants. For rainfed black gram, the recommended basal potassium fertilizer is muriate of potash. It is recommended to apply 20-30 kg of muriate of potash per acre during the preparation of the field.
In conclusion, black gram is an important crop that plays a crucial role in food security and soil fertility. It requires a careful management of basal fertilization during planting to ensure optimal growth and development. For rainfed black gram, urea, superphosphate, and muriate of potash are the recommended basal fertilizers to provide essential nutrients for the crop’s growth.