Sure, here’s an article on fertilizer dose top dressing with first irrigation in mustard crop:
Fertilizer Dose Top Dressing with First Irrigation in Mustard Crop
Mustard is a cool-season crop that is grown in many parts of the world for its edible seeds, leaves, and oil. It requires a well-balanced nutrient supply for optimum growth and yield. One of the important aspects of mustard cultivation is to provide adequate fertilization during the growing season. In this article, we will discuss fertilizer dose top dressing with the first irrigation in the mustard crop.
Why top-dressing with first irrigation is important?
Mustard plants have a shallow root system, and the major portion of the roots is concentrated in the top 15-20 cm of the soil. This means that the nutrient uptake of mustard plants is mainly from the topsoil layer. It is essential to provide an adequate supply of nutrients during the vegetative stage to ensure optimum growth and development of the crop. Top-dressing the mustard crop with fertilizers during the first irrigation ensures that the nutrients are readily available to the plant.
What is the best fertilizer for top-dressing in mustard crop?
The most commonly used fertilizer for top-dressing in mustard crops is urea. Urea is a high-nitrogen fertilizer that provides the plant with the required nitrogen for vegetative growth. The application rate of the fertilizer depends on the soil fertility and the growth stage of the crop. In general, a dose of 40-50 kg of urea per hectare is recommended for top-dressing during the first irrigation.
How to apply the fertilizer?
The fertilizer should be applied evenly on the soil surface and not near the plant base. The application should be done just before the first irrigation, so that the urea gets dissolved in the soil and becomes readily available to the plant. The fertilizer should be spread uniformly and should not be concentrated in one place.
Precautions
Applying too much fertilizer can damage the crop, and so it is essential to follow the recommended dosage. Fertilizer should not be applied during wet conditions, as it can lead to fertilizer runoff and wastage. It is also important to ensure that the fertilizer is not applied on the leaves or stems of the plant, as it can burn the plant tissue.
Conclusion
Top-dressing the mustard crop with fertilizers during the first irrigation is an effective method to ensure that the plant gets the required nutrients for optimum growth and development. Urea is the most commonly used fertilizer for top-dressing, and the dosage depends on the soil fertility and the growth stage of the crop. Proper application of the fertilizer is important for a successful crop yield.