Sure, here’s an article on Fertiliser schedule for paddy crop:
Paddy or rice crop is one of the most important cereal crops in the world, providing food for millions of people. It is also an essential crop in many tropical countries where it is a staple food. However, growing paddy is not an easy task and requires a lot of care and attention. One of the key factors that determine the growth and yield of paddy is proper fertilization. In this article, we will discuss the fertiliser schedule for paddy crop.
Before we dive into the fertiliser schedule, it is important to understand the nutrient requirements of the paddy crop. Paddy requires three main nutrients, namely nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is required for vegetative growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for improved stress tolerance and grain quality.
The fertiliser schedule for paddy crop can be divided into two stages, pre-planting and post-planting. Let’s look at each of these stages in detail.
Pre-planting fertiliser schedule:
Before planting the paddy crop, you should apply a basal dose of fertiliser. The basal dose can be a mixture of organic and inorganic fertilisers. The recommended ratio is 4:2:1 of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The basal dose should be applied evenly throughout the field and mixed well with soil.
Post-planting fertiliser schedule:
After planting, the paddy crop requires regular applications of fertilisers. The post-planting fertiliser schedule can be divided into the following stages.
1. Tillering stage:
During the tillering stage, the paddy crop requires more nitrogen for the vegetative growth. Apply nitrogenous fertilisers like urea at the rate of 45 kg per acre. The nitrogen fertiliser should be applied in two splits, first at 15 days after planting and the second at 30 days after planting.
2. Panicle initiation stage:
At the panicle initiation stage, the paddy crop requires more phosphorus and potassium. Apply DAP (Diammonium phosphate) fertiliser at the rate of 45 kg per acre for phosphorus and MOP (Muriate of potash) at the rate of 22 kg per acre for potassium. The fertilisers should be applied in two splits, first at 30 days after planting and the second at 45 days after planting.
3. Flowering stage:
During the flowering stage, the paddy crop requires more nitrogen and potassium. Apply urea fertiliser at the rate of 22 kg per acre for nitrogen and MOP fertiliser at the rate of 22 kg per acre for potassium. The fertilisers should be applied in two splits, first at 60 days after planting and the second at 75 days after planting.
4. Grain filling stage:
During the grain filling stage, the paddy crop requires more nitrogen and phosphorus. Apply urea fertiliser at the rate of 22 kg per acre for nitrogen and DAP fertiliser at the rate of 22 kg per acre for phosphorus. The fertilisers should be applied in two splits, first at 90 days after planting and the second at 105 days after planting.
Conclusion:
Proper fertilisation is essential for the growth and yield of the paddy crop. By following the fertiliser schedule mentioned above, you can ensure that your paddy crop gets the required nutrients at the right time and in the right quantity. It is also important to note that the fertiliser requirement may vary depending on the soil type, climate, and the variety of the paddy crop. It is therefore recommended to consult an agronomist for specific recommendations on fertiliser application.