Peas are an important crop that is widely grown all over the world. They are a good source of protein and other important nutrients. However, for the peas to grow well and produce high yields, it is important to provide them with the right nutrients.
Fertilizers are important to provide all of the nutrients that the pea crop needs. The most important nutrients for pea crop growth are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is important for vegetative growth, while phosphorus and potassium are necessary for root development and flowering.
Nitrogen is an important nutrient for growing pea crops. It is responsible for plant growth and green color in leaves. Pea crops that do not get enough nitrogen will have stunted growth, yellowing leaves and slow development. The recommended nitrogen requirement for peas is 50-60 kg per hectare. Nitrogen can be applied as either organic or chemical fertilizers.
Phosphorus is another important nutrient for pea crop growth. It is responsible for root growth and development which is crucial for the pea crop to absorb nutrients. Peas require significant amounts of phosphorus as compared to other crops. The recommended phosphorus requirement is 20-30 kg per hectare. Phosphorus can be applied in the form of rock phosphate or chemical fertilizers.
Potassium is also important for pea crop growth. It is responsible for regulating water balance in the pea plant, which facilitates seed formation, yield and quality. The recommended potassium requirement for peas is 30-40 kg per hectare. Potassium can be applied as both organic and chemical fertilizers.
Apart from these major nutrients, trace elements such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and boron are also important for optimal growth of pea crops. These elements are usually present in the soil in low quantities. Therefore, they are generally added in small amounts via micronutrient fertilizers.
Fertilizer application in pea crops is important, however, care should be taken that over-fertilization does not occur. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth, disease, and environmental problems. Moreover, it can also result in unfavourable changes in the nutrient content in the pea crop leading to low quality of produce.
In conclusion, proper fertilization is essential for the growth of pea crops. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the major nutrients required for optimal growth and development. It is important to perform a soil analysis before fertilization to determine the nutrient deficiencies and apply fertilizers accordingly. By providing these nutrients through proper fertilizers and management practices, pea crops can grow optimally giving high yields.