Certainly! Here’s an article on fertilizer schedule for paddy crop.
Fertilizer Schedule for Paddy Crop
Paddy is one of the most commonly grown crops around the world, especially in Southeast Asia where it is a staple food. It requires specific nutrients at different growth stages. When a proper fertilizer schedule is followed, optimum crop yield can be achieved. However, using too much fertilizer can harm the paddy crop and the environment. Therefore, accurate calculation of fertilizer application is very important. Let’s take a look at the fertilizer schedule for paddy crop.
1. Introducing Basal Fertilizers: During land preparation, basal fertilizers including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur should be applied, as these nutrients are necessary for initial growth. Basal fertilizers are usually applied in a 1:1:1 ratio, which means 50% of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium should be applied. For example, if you need to apply 100kg of Nitrogen, you should apply 50kg each of Phosphorus and Potassium.
2. Top Dressing Nitrogen: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for paddy crop growth and is usually in short supply in most soils. Paddy crop requires Nitrogen during three growth stages which are tillering, active leaf production, and panicle initiation. A minimum of 50% nitrogen (50 kg N/ha) is recommended 30 days before panicle initiation.
3. Paddy Crop Growth Stages: The paddy crop grows in four stages. Depending on the crop growth stage, the fertilizer schedule varies. The four crop growth stages are:
a. Tillering: During the tillering stage, the plants grow roots and produce multiple shoots. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied.
b. Active Leaf Production: In this stage, the focus is to promote leaf and stem growth. Applying 50 percent Nitrogen and Phosphorus, and 100 percent Potassium is recommended.
c. Panicle Initiation: This is an important phase in which fertilizers rich in Nitrogen and Phosphorus should be applied.
d. Grain Formation and Filling: This stage requires a high dose of Potassium. Potassium is applied to improve yield, as it promotes grain filling and increases disease resistance.
4. Fertilizer Application Methods: Fertilizer can be applied manually by broadcasting, using fertilizer drills or irrigation water. The most commonly used method is broadcasting, as it is the easiest and cheapest method.
In conclusion, a proper fertilizer schedule helps farmers get the optimum yield of paddy crop. The amount and time of fertilizer application should be accurate to get the desired results. Precise calculation of fertilizer application can prevent nutrient pollution and control fertilizer costs.