Turmeric is one of the most widely used spices around the world, apart from being known for its medicinal properties. It is an important cash crop and plays a significant role in the Indian economy. However, the production of turmeric crops requires good management practices, including the use of fertilizers.
Fertilizers are essential for the growth and development of turmeric crops. The right fertilizer dose at each stage of growth helps to increase yields, improve quality, and increase profits. Here is some important information on fertilizer dose in turmeric crop management.
1. Soil fertility analysis: Before applying any fertilizer, it is important to analyze the soil’s fertility level. Soil testing will help you determine the materials your soil needs to promote healthy growth and provide enough yield to secure your investment. Soil testing should be done before planting or sowing the crop.
2. Organic fertilizer: Organic fertilizer is an excellent soil conditioner. It enriches the soil with nutrients and increases soil organic matter, which improves soil fertility. Organic fertilizer also helps improve soil moisture-holding capacity, reduces soil erosion, and promotes soil structure. You may apply organic fertilizers such as cow manure, vermicompost, or compost to help boost the soil’s nutrient levels.
3. Chemical Fertilizer: Turmeric crops require chemical fertilizers for adequate nutrients. The fertilizer nutrients comprising N, P, and K are essential to the plant’s growth and development. The following three chemical fertilizers are commonly applied in turmeric crop management:
a. Nitrogen: Nitrogen is required for vegetative growth. The application of nitrogen should be made at the planting time. You can use urea, ammonium nitrate, Calcium nitrate, or ammonium sulfate.
b. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for root development and flowering in turmeric crops. You should apply rock phosphate, single superphosphate, or triple superphosphate to provide phosphorus.
c. Potassium: Potassium is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate water flow in the plant. Potassium helps to reduce water loss and improves the plant’s disease resistance. You can apply muriate of potash or potassium sulfate to provide potassium.
4. Fertilizer Application Schedule: Turmeric crops have different fertilizer requirements at different stages of growth. The application of fertilizers should be done in a phased manner. Dosages require in various stages of turmeric crop are as follows:
a. Pre-planting: Basal application of fertilizer should be done as the crop is being planted in the field. The fertilizer dosage should comprise Nitrogen (25 Kg/Ha), Phosphorus (75 Kg/Ha), and Potassium (75 Kg/Ha).
b. Split Application: As the crop grows, the nitrogen forms must be applied as well. Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) should be applied as a side dressing 45-60 days after seeding, and Urea can be applied a month later. Nitrogen should be applied at the rate of 60 Kg/Ha per split dose.
c. Foliar Application: Foliar application of nutrients can be done in emergencies, such as the plant’s nutrient deficiency or to increase quality yield. You can apply Potassium Nitrate to the plant’s leaves at a rate of 1% concentration by following the recommended label rates.
In conclusion, turmeric crop management requires proper management practices, including the use of fertilizers. To achieve maximum yield and quality, it’s essential to apply appropriate fertilizers at the right time and in the right quantity. With the recommended fertilizer dose, the result will be increased yields, higher quality produce, and improved profits for turmeric crop farmers.