Certainly, here is an article on the topic of “Fertilizer dose at the time of sunflower sowing.”
Sunflower is a popular oilseed crop grown for its edible oil and seeds. It is an important crop in many countries, including India, Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina. Sunflowers require proper soil fertility management for optimal growth and yield. Fertilizer application is crucial at sunflower sowing time to ensure adequate nutrient availability for germination, seedling establishment, and vegetative growth. In this article, we will discuss the fertilizer dose and timing for sunflower sowing.
Soil fertility management for sunflower production involves a balanced supply of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil. The fertilizer dose and timing should be based on soil test recommendations to avoid over- or under-fertilization, which can affect crop growth and yield. The following are some guidelines for fertilizer application at the time of sunflower sowing.
Nitrogen (N): Sunflowers have a high demand for N, especially during the vegetative growth stage. N is essential for leaf and stem growth, and deficiency can result in stunted growth and reduced yield. The optimal N dose for sunflowers depends on soil fertility status, but a general guideline is to apply 40-60 kg N/ha at sowing time. In case of N deficiency, additional N application can be done at the 6-8 leaf stage.
Phosphorus (P): P is critical for early plant growth, root development, and flowering. Sunflowers require a higher amount of P than most other crops due to their extensive root system. The optimal P dose for sunflowers is 30-40 kg P2O5/ha at sowing time. In case of deficient soils, additional P can be applied as a side dressing at the 6-8 leaf stage.
Potassium (K): K is important for sunflowers as it helps improve plant resistance to drought, diseases, and pests. K deficiency can result in poor seed filling and reduced yield. The optimal K dose for sunflowers is 20-30 kg K2O/ha at sowing time. In case of K deficiency, additional K can be applied as a side dressing at the 6-8 leaf stage.
Micronutrients: Sunflowers also require trace amounts of micronutrients like zinc, boron, and manganese for optimal growth and yield. A soil test can help determine the need for micronutrient application. In general, micronutrients can be applied along with the N, P, and K fertilizers at sowing time.
In summary, sunflowers require adequate soil fertility management for optimal growth and yield. Fertilizer application at the time of sowing is crucial to meet the crop’s nutrient requirements. The fertilizer dose and timing should be based on soil test recommendations. In general, sunflowers require higher amounts of N, P, and K than most other crops. Proper fertilization can help ensure a successful sunflower crop with high yield and quality.