Title: Essential Information on Fertilizer Dose for Green Gram Crop
Introduction:
Green gram (Vigna radiata), also known as mung bean or moong, is a popular pulse crop grown mainly for its nutritious seeds. To achieve optimal growth and yield, proper nutrient management is crucial, and fertilizer application plays a vital role in meeting the crop’s nutrient requirements. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the recommended fertilizer doses and timings for green gram cultivation.
1. Soil Nutrient Management:
Before applying fertilizers, it is essential to assess the nutrient status of the soil. Conduct soil tests to determine the availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients like zinc (Zn). Based on the soil test results, a customized fertilizer plan can be formulated, ensuring efficient nutrient uptake and sustainable crop production.
2. Recommended Fertilizer Doses:
The fertilizer requirements of green gram plants vary depending on factors such as soil fertility, previous crop history, and local environmental conditions. However, below are general guidelines for fertilizer application:
a) NPK Application:
– Nitrogen (N): Green gram is a leguminous crop that can fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic association with Rhizobium bacteria. As a result, excessive nitrogen application is generally not recommended. A basal application of 20-25 kg N/ha is sufficient to ensure proper nodulation and nitrogen fixation. However, in nutrient-deficient soils, an additional top dressing of 10-15 kg N/ha can be applied during the flowering stage.
– Phosphorus (P): A basal application of 30-40 kg P2O5/ha is recommended for green gram, which aids in the development of a robust root system, early vigor, and improved crop establishment. P2O5 can be applied in the form of diammonium phosphate (DAP) or any other phosphorus-based fertilizer.
– Potassium (K): For soil with low potassium levels, a basal application of 15-20 kg K2O/ha is advisable before sowing. Adequate potassium supply enhances root development, drought tolerance, and overall crop productivity.
b) Micronutrients: Although green gram has a lower demand for micronutrients, the addition of zinc (Zn) through zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) or other sources at a rate of 10-20 kg/ha is recommended, especially in zinc-deficient soils. Foliar application of micronutrients can also be considered to address any specific nutrient deficiencies detected through soil tests.
3. Fertilizer Application Timing:
– Basal Application: The basal dose of P2O5, K2O, and part of the N requirement should be incorporated into the soil during land preparation or at least a week before sowing. This helps establish a strong initial root system.
– Top Dressing: The remaining nitrogen dose can be split and applied as a top dressing during the flowering stage. This ensures enhanced nitrogen availability during the critical growth phase, leading to improved yield and quality.
Conclusion:
Proper fertilizer dosing is essential for promoting healthy growth, maximizing yield, and optimizing the nutritional quality of green gram crops. Remember, fertilizer recommendations may vary based on specific soil conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct soil tests and consult with local agricultural extension services or experts to determine the most appropriate fertilizer dose and nutrient management practices. By adopting suitable fertilizer management strategies, farmers can sustainable boost green gram crop production and contribute to overall food security.