As one of the most widely cultivated crops in India, basmati paddy is known for its distinct aroma, flavor, and texture. However, achieving such quality requires proper care, including knowledge of the right amount of fertilizer to use. Here, we’ll provide some information on how to determine the right dose of fertilizer for basmati paddy.
First, it’s important to understand the nutrient requirements of basmati paddy. Basmati paddy requires primary nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), along with secondary nutrients and micronutrients. The nutrient demand of basmati paddy varies according to its growth stages. For instance, it requires high amounts of N during the vegetative stage and less N during the reproductive stage.
To determine the amount of fertilizer to use, you’ll need to carry out a soil analysis. Soil analysis helps to establish the nutrient status of the soil and how much fertilizer will be needed. The analysis also helps to check for any nutrient deficiency, which could be limiting the growth of the plant.
Once you’ve done the soil analysis, you can calculate the fertilizer dose by using a fertilizer recommendation based on the results of the soil analysis. There are various fertilizer recommendations methods, such as the target yield approach, critical level approach, and soil test crop response approach. By using these methods, you can determine the optimal amount of each nutrient required by the plant at each growth stage.
To make it simpler, one can follow the general dosage for a baseline. For every hectare, 120-150kg of urea, 50-75kg of Triple Super Phosphate, and 50-80kg of muriate of potash can be applied at the time of planting. It’s also recommended to apply 1-2 foliar applications of 2% urea spray after 40-45 days of transplanting to supplement the nutrient loss.
Apart from giving the required nutrients to the plant, there are other factors that one should keep in mind. Farmers should ensure that the fertilizers are spread uniformly and not concentrated in one area. It’s also essential to avoid fertilizing too close to the root zone as this can burn the roots and potentially harm the plant.
In conclusion, determining the right amount of fertilizer dosage for basmati paddy requires soil analysis and following fertilizer recommendation methods. It’s recommended to fertilize the plant timely, apply the optimal amount of fertilizer, and ensure it’s spread uniformly. Regular monitoring of the crop’s nutrient requirement by soil or plant analysis helps in enhancing the yield and quality of the basmati paddy.