As one of the most important oilseeds in India, mustard or sarso is a widely grown crop throughout the country. This crop is known for its hardiness and adaptability to various types of soils and climatic conditions, making it a favorite among farmers.
Nutrient management is crucial to maximize the yield of sarso crops. The first nutrient management in sarso crop is crucial as it sets the foundation for plant growth and development.
Here are some key considerations for the first nutrient management of sarso crop:
Soil Testing: The first step in nutrient management is soil testing. Soil tests provide valuable information on the soil pH, nutrient deficiencies, and other important factors. It is recommended to do soil testing before planting the crop, so that the results can be used to determine the right fertilizer application.
Fertilizer Application: Based on the soil test results, the appropriate fertilizer application should be determined. Generally, sarso crops require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) nutrients in the right ratio. The recommended dose of NPK for sarso crop is 60 kg N, 40 kg P2O5, and 20 kg K2O per hectare. This should be applied at the time of sowing or within a week of sowing, depending on the soil type.
Manure Application: Manure application is an important component of nutrient management for sarso crop. Well-decomposed cow dung or compost should be applied at a rate of 5-6 tonnes/ha to provide organic matter, which enhances soil fertility and improves soil structure, water-holding capacity and nutrient availability.
Micronutrient Management: In addition to NPK nutrients, micronutrients like zinc, boron, iron, and manganese are also important for sarso crop. The application of micronutrients is determined by the type of soil and the crop’s requirement. Foliar application of micronutrients using 0.5% Zinc sulfate or 1% borax or 0.5 % ferrous sulphate may be required in case of deficiency symptoms (yellowing of leaves) that appear during crop growth.
In conclusion, nutrient management is a key factor for optimizing sarso crop productivity and profitability. The first nutrient management sets the stage for overall crop growth and development, and it begins with soil testing, fertilizer and manure application and micronutrient management. Balanced nutrient management through proper application of fertilizer, manures and micronutrients in the right ratio will ensure adequate plant nutrition resulting in healthy crops with higher yield of quality sarso seeds.