Sure, here’s an article on fertilizer dose in groundnut crop:
Title: Optimizing Fertilizer Dosage for Maximum Yield in Groundnut Crop
Introduction:
Groundnut, also known as peanut, is an essential cash crop cultivated worldwide for its oil-rich seeds and nutritious value. To achieve healthy growth and maximize yield, it is crucial to provide the groundnut crop with the right amount of fertilizers. Adequate nutrient supply helps in maintaining plant health, promoting robust growth, and increasing pod formation. In this article, we will discuss the optimal fertilizer dose for groundnut cultivation, with a focus on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) requirements.
1. Nitrogen (N) Requirements:
Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for groundnut as it aids in foliage production, seed formation, and protein synthesis. The required nitrogen dosage varies depending on the soil’s nitrogen content and previous fertilization practices. For soils deficient in nitrogen, apply 25-30 kg N per hectare at the time of sowing. In case of soil having adequate nitrogen content, 15-20 kg N per hectare will suffice.
Split the nitrogen dosage into two applications. Apply half the dose at sowing, and the remaining half should be applied as a top-dressing during peg initiation stage (around 30-40 days after sowing). Timely application helps prevent nitrogen deficiency and promotes vigorous vegetative growth, ultimately increasing yield potential.
2. Phosphorus (P) Requirements:
Phosphorus is responsible for root development, seed formation, and overall energy transfer in the groundnut plant. It is essential during the initial growth phase, especially for root establishment.
Apply 25-30 kg P2O5 per hectare as a basal dose at the time of sowing. Incorporate the phosphorus-based fertilizer into the soil to ensure proper availability for the developing root system. Phosphorus deficiency is detrimental to groundnut crops, leading to reduced flowering, pod development, and ultimately lower yield.
3. Potassium (K) Requirements:
Potassium plays a crucial role in overall plant development, promoting disease resistance, enhancing water uptake and utilization, and improving seed quality. Groundnut plants require a higher quantity of potassium during pod development and maturity stages.
Apply 25-30 kg K2O per hectare as a basal dose during sowing. Potassium should be evenly distributed into the soil to ensure availability during the entire cropping season. Keep in mind that potassium is a mobile nutrient, and inadequate supply may result in weak stems, lower yields, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Conclusion:
Optimizing fertilizer dosage is critical for achieving a bountiful yield of groundnut crops. It is essential to consider the soil’s nutrient content, previous fertilization practices, and growth stages of the plant while determining the appropriate dosage. Remember to split the application of nitrogen and ensure the even distribution of phosphorus and potassium into the soil. By following these recommendations, farmers can expect healthy growth, robust pod development, and ultimately higher yields in groundnut cultivation.