Certainly, here is an article on fertilizer dosage in groundnut:
Groundnut, also known as peanut, is an important legume crop grown widely for its edible oil and protein-rich seeds. To achieve high yields and quality groundnuts, farmers need to provide appropriate fertilization, which is key to the crop’s success.
Fertilizer dosage depends on various factors like soil fertility, nutrient availability, climate, groundnut variety, and cropping system. Here’s the recommended fertilizer dosage for groundnut:
1. Basal Fertilizer Application
Before sowing groundnut seeds, apply basal fertilizers that provide nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The recommended basal dosage includes 25-30 kg N, 50-60 kg P2O5, and 50-60 kg K2O per hectare. The fertilizer mix should be applied during land preparation and mixed well into the soil.
2. Top-dressing Fertilizer Application
Top-dressing with nitrogen fertilizer is important to keep the crop growing vigorously and achieve high yields. Apply nitrogen as top-dressing using urea or ammonium sulfate at a rate of 40-50 kg N per hectare, depending on the soil fertility and crop growth stage. The first application of nitrogen should be done at 20 days after sowing, and the second application should be done 40 days after sowing.
3. Foliar Fertilizer Application
Foliar application of micronutrients like zinc and boron can help improve groundnut growth and yield. The best time for foliar fertilizer application is when the crop is in vegetative growth or flowering stage. The recommended dosage is 1-2 kg zinc sulfate per hectare or 0.5-1 kg borax per hectare, mixed with water and sprayed on the foliage of the crop.
4. Organic Fertilizer Application
Organic fertilizers like farmyard manure, compost, and vermicompost can be used to supplement the inorganic fertilizers and improve soil fertility. Apply about 10-12 tons of farmyard manure or 5-7 tons of compost or vermicompost per hectare during land preparation.
In conclusion, proper fertilization is crucial for attaining optimal groundnut growth and yield. Farmers should adjust their fertilizer doses based on soil nutrient status, plant growth stage, and climate conditions. By providing the right balance of nutrients, farmers can produce high-quality groundnuts that contribute to food security and the economy.