As a promising crop for farmers, Mentha is often cultivated for its essential oil. However, cultivating mentha demands proper care, management, and knowledge of various techniques used in agriculture. One of these techniques is information regarding first top dressing in mentha crop.
First top dressing is a fertilization technique where a slow-release, nitrogen-based fertilizer is applied to the soil surface around the plant’s base. This technique is aimed at providing nitrogen (N) to the crop, which is an essential element required for plant growth, yield, and other physiological processes.
In Mentha, first top dressing is done 30-45 days after planting by applying urea. Depending on the soil fertility level and weather, 25-30 kg of urea per hectare is recommended for Mentha crop. The amount of urea should be split into two equal parts, with one being applied at the beginning of the vegetative stage and the other at the end of the vegetative stage.
Proper timing of first top dressing in Mentha is critical for its effectiveness. Fertilizer should be applied when the plant has sufficient leaf area to absorb nitrogen efficiently. During this stage, Mentha’s roots develop fully and penetrate deep into the soil to absorb nutrients.
Mentha is known to be a heavy feeder of nitrogen, and applying nitrogen through first top dressing can help increase plant height, leaf fresh weight, and essential oil content. However, over-fertilization can lead to nitrogen toxicity, which can decrease the plant’s yield and quality.
In conclusion, first top dressing in Mentha crop is a vital technique that improves plant growth and yield. Its effectiveness is dependent on proper timing, amount, and split application of fertilizers. Farmers should implement proper measures to ensure that their Mentha crop is healthy, which can ultimately lead to increased profits.