Fertilizer Requirement in Mustard Crop
Mustard crop, scientifically known as Brassica juncea, is considered as an essential oilseed crop worldwide. It requires a fertile soil rich in nutrients for proper growth and development. While rainfall and irrigation play a significant role in mustard crop cultivation, it is equally important to use fertilizers for maximum yield and quality of the crop. In this article, we will discuss the fertilizer requirement in the mustard crop.
Types of Fertilizers:
Mustard crop needs three essential plant nutrients namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). The amount of fertilizer recommended for mustard cultivation varies depending upon the soil fertility, climatic conditions, crop rotation, and irrigation. Various types of fertilizers are used to enrich the soil with these essential nutrients.
1. Nitrogen Fertilizers –
Nitrogen is the primary nutrient that impacts the growth of plants. It accelerates the vegetative growth of the mustard crop. The recommended amount of nitrogen varies from 70 to 120 kg/ha. Nitrogen fertilizers can be applied in the form of urea, ammonium sulfate, or ammonium nitrate.
2. Phosphorus Fertilizers –
Phosphorus is the second most essential nutrient required for the growth of mustard crop. It plays a significant role in root development, early maturity, and seed production. The recommended amount of phosphorus varies from 30 to 50 kg/ha. Phosphorus fertilizers can be applied in the form of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) or Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP).
3. Potassium Fertilizers –
Potassium is an important element that enhances the quality and yield of the mustard crop. It plays a significant role in drought and disease resistance to the crop. The recommended amount of potassium varies from 20 to 30 kg/ha. Potassium fertilizers can be applied in the form of Muriate of Potash (MOP) or Sulphate of Potash (SOP).
Timing and Mode of Application:
The timing and mode of application of fertilizers are key factors in the growth and quality of the mustard crop. Fertilizers should be applied after sowing the seeds or before first irrigation to ensure proper availability of nutrients at the time of germination. Nitrogen should be applied in two splits, one-third of the total amount at the time of sowing and the remaining two-thirds at the vegetative stage. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied in one go at the time of sowing.
Conclusion:
Fertilizer management is the key to successful mustard crop cultivation. The use of fertilizers enriches the soil with essential nutrients that enhance the growth, quality, and yield of the crop. Farmers must follow the recommended fertilizer dose, timing, and mode of application for maximum benefit. Proper fertilization, coupled with optimal irrigation, weed control, and pest management, can help farmers achieve maximum yield and quality of mustard crop.