Basal Fertilizer Management in Tapioca
Tapioca, also known as cassava, is an important crop in many tropical regions. It is used for food, feed, and industrial purposes. In order to achieve high yields and quality, proper fertilizer management is crucial. Basal fertilizer application is one of the key aspects of tapioca cultivation.
Basal fertilizer is applied at the time of planting and it provides the essential nutrients for the initial growth of the crop. The amount and type of fertilizer depend on several factors such as soil fertility, rainfall, crop variety, and planting density.
The following are the steps to follow for basal fertilizer application in tapioca:
1. Soil testing: Before planting, it is crucial to conduct a soil test to determine the soil fertility status. This helps to identify the nutrient deficiencies and to determine the appropriate fertilizer type and amount to be applied.
2. Fertilizer selection: Based on the soil test results, the appropriate fertilizer type is selected. In general, tapioca responds well to NPK fertilizers. A combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers are recommended for basal application.
3. Fertilizer rate: The amount of basal fertilizer required varies depending on the soil fertility status and the crop variety. A general rule of thumb is to apply 30-50 kg/ha of nitrogen, 60-80 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 60-80 kg/ha of potassium.
4. Fertilizer placement: Tapioca being a root crop, the fertilizer should be placed closer to the root zone. The fertilizer can be placed in the planting hole or furrow at a depth of 5-10 cm. A uniform distribution of the fertilizer is essential to avoid nutrient imbalance in the soil.
5. Timing: Basal fertilizer should be applied at the time of planting. This provides the necessary nutrients for the initial growth of the crop.
6. Covering: Once the fertilizer is applied, it should be covered immediately with soil. This helps to avoid nutrient loss and to prevent the fertilizer from coming into contact with the crop.
7. Watering: Once the fertilizer is applied, it is important to water the crop immediately. This ensures that the nutrients are available to the crop roots and prevents nutrient loss due to leaching.
In conclusion, basal fertilizer application is a crucial aspect of tapioca cultivation. By following the above steps and proper fertilizer management practices, growers can achieve high yields and quality. It is important to note that fertilizer application should be based on the soil test results and the nutrient requirements of the crop variety.