Sure, here’s an article on fertilizer doses in paddy crop:
Fertilizer Doses in Paddy Crop
Paddy (rice) is one of the most important crops in the world, as it is a staple food crop for many people. To achieve high yields in paddy cultivation, fertilizers play a key role. While farmers may vary fertilizer doses depending on the specific needs of their crop, there are some general guidelines for application rates that can help ensure optimal growth and yields.
Here are some common fertilizer doses for paddy crop:
1. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer
Nitrogen is essential for paddy growth and is usually the most important nutrient required for high yields. Depending on the soil fertility levels, nitrogen fertilizer doses can range from 80 to 200 kg per hectare. This should be divided into three to four applications, with the first application at the time of planting, followed by two to three applications during the vegetative growth stages of the crop. Farmers can also top-dress the crop with nitrogen fertilizer if they observe any nitrogen deficiency symptoms.
2. Phosphorus (P) fertilizer
Phosphorus is also a critical nutrient for paddy growth. Depending on the soil fertility levels, phosphorus fertilizer doses can range from 60 to 120 kg per hectare. It is recommended to apply phosphorus fertilizer during the time of planting. Farmers can also consider applying phosphorus fertilizer in split doses – half at planting and half during the vegetative growth stage.
3. Potassium (K) fertilizer
Potassium is important for paddy crop growth, particularly in the reproductive growth stage. Depending on the soil fertility levels, potassium fertilizer doses can range from 60 to 120 kg per hectare. Potassium fertilizer should be applied during the vegetative growth stage.
4. Micronutrients
Apart from the major nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – paddy crop also requires micronutrients such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu). These micronutrients are usually required in small amounts, and farmers can apply them as foliar spray or soil application. Micronutrient doses can vary widely depending on soil fertility levels, and farmers should get their soil tested to determine the right micronutrient doses.
In conclusion, paddy crops require a range of fertilizers, depending on their growth stage and soil fertility levels. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the major nutrients required in higher doses, while micronutrients such as manganese, zinc iron, and copper are required in small amounts. By applying the right doses of fertilizers, farmers can achieve higher yields and optimize the quality of their harvest.