Green gram, also known as mung bean, is a popular crop among farmers due to its high economic value, multiple health benefits, and nutritional value. The green gram crop requires adequate fertilization to boost the yield and enhance the quality of both the pods and seeds. Here’s everything farmers need to know about fertilizer dose for sowing green gram crop.
Soil Testing: Before determining the amount of fertilizer required, it is essential to conduct soil testing to determine the nutrients that the soil is lacking. Soil testing helps to identify the soil’s nutrient content, pH level, and other essential factors that impact crop growth and yield.
Fertilization: Green gram crops require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients for optimum growth and yield. Fertilizers can be applied either inorganic or organic, but the choice depends on the availability, cost, and crop rotation system.
Nitrogen: Nitrogen is the most essential nutrient required by green gram crops. Nitrogen helps to stimulate shoot and pod development and enhances crop yield. A nitrogenous fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate, urea, or calcium ammonium nitrate, can be applied before sowing or as side-dressing after germination.
Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a vital nutrient that promotes root development and enhances plant growth and yield. It is recommended to use a phosphate fertilizer such as triple superphosphate or diammonium phosphate before sowing.
Potassium: Potassium is responsible for regulating water uptake, reducing stress, and enhancing plant growth, yield, and quality. A potassium-rich fertilizer such as muriate of potash or sulfate of potash can be applied before sowing, side-dressing, or as a foliar application.
Fertilizer Dose: The optimal fertilizer dose for green gram crops depends on various factors such as soil type, crop variety, cropping system, and soil fertility level. However, as a general rule, farmers can apply 20 kg/ha of nitrogen, 30 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 20 kg/ha of potassium fertilizers before sowing. It is also advisable to apply 20-30 kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer as side-dressing after germination to enhance crop yield.
Conclusion: Green gram crops require adequate nutrient supply to boost growth, yield, and quality. It is essential to conduct soil testing before determining the fertilizer dose, as it helps farmers identify the soil’s nutrient deficiency and plan accordingly. A balanced fertilizer application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during sowing can significantly enhance the green gram crop yield.