Basal Fertilizer Dosage for Paddy Crop: Ensuring the Best Yield
Paddy, also known as rice, is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide, providing staple food to billions of people. The crop is highly sensitive to environmental factors and nutrient availability. Hence, it needs judicious application of fertilizers to achieve the best possible yield.
Basal fertilizers are the nutrients that are added to the soil during the preparation of land before the sowing of paddy seeds. These fertilizers provide essential nutrients to the young paddy plants during the initial phase of growth. As such, it is essential to understand the right basal fertilizer dosage for paddy crop.
Let’s delve a little deeper and find out the recommended basal fertilizer dosage for the paddy crop:
1. Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is the primary nutrient that affects the growth and productivity of the paddy crop. It helps in the formation of leaves, tillers, and panicles and enhances the photosynthetic activity of the plant. The recommended dose of nitrogen fertilizer for the paddy crop is 80 – 100 kg per hectare. The percentage of nitrogen in the basal fertilizer should be between 15 – 20%.
2. Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus is another essential nutrient for paddy crop that helps in the formation of roots and reproductive structures. The recommended dose of phosphorus fertilizer is 40 – 60 kg per hectare. The percentage of phosphorus in the basal fertilizer should be between 10 – 12%.
3. Potassium (K)
Potassium is essential for maintaining water balance and enhancing the drought tolerance of the paddy crop. It also improves the quality of rice grains. The recommended dose of potassium fertilizer is 40 – 60 kg per hectare. The percentage of potassium in the basal fertilizer should be between 10 – 12%.
4. Micronutrients
Micronutrients like zinc, iron, manganese, and copper are also essential for the growth and development of the paddy crop. The recommended dose of micronutrient fertilizer is 2 – 3 kg per hectare.
Apart from the above-mentioned fertilizers, organic manure can also be added to the soil to improve soil texture and fertility. The recommended dosage of organic manure is around 5 – 10 tons per hectare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper basal fertilizer dosage plays a crucial role in ensuring the best yield of the paddy crop. The recommended basal fertilizer dosage for paddy crop comprises of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients in specific proportions. Therefore, it is essential to follow the correct fertilization practices in the ryt way to get the best yield. A balanced use of fertilizers and organic manure according to the recommendations can help ensure the correct nutrient ratios, which can go a long way in maximizing the yield while reducing costs.