As one of the leading staple food crops, it is crucial to ensure that paddies are well-nurtured from planting to harvest. Proper nutrient management is a crucial aspect of paddy cultivation, particularly during the nursery stage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to nursery fertilizer management for paddy.
First, it’s important to understand that paddy requires different amounts of nutrients at different growth stages. The nursery stage is the initial phase of paddy growth, and it lasts from the moment seeds start to germinate to when roots and shoots have established. During this period, the seedlings should be planted in a nursery bed, which is usually in a protected environment, to promote faster growth.
To ensure healthy growth of paddy seedlings in the nursery stage, the following nutrient management practices should be followed:
1. Incorporating Organic Manure
Prior to seeding, the nursery bed should be prepared by incorporating organic manure into the soil to enrich it with nutrients and minerals. Organic matter like decomposed plant residues and animal wastes improve soil health, promote microbial activity, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
2. Using a Balanced Fertilizer
To provide the required nutrients to paddy seedlings, a balanced fertilizer should be used. A well-balanced fertilizer contains the primary macro-elements, such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium, and secondary micronutrients, such as Calcium, Molybdenum, and Zinc.
3. Applying Fertilizers at the Right Ratio
Fertilizers should be applied in the right ratio to ensure balanced nutrient uptake by paddy seedlings. A ratio of 4:2:1 (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) is ideal for paddy nursery management.
4. Applying Fertilizers at the Right Time
Fertilizers should be applied at the right timing to maximize the nutrient uptake by paddy seedlings. Paddy seedling normally takes two weeks to grow and develop after seeds germination, and at this stage, the seedlings require more Nitrogen to develop their root system. Therefore, Nitrogen-rich fertilizer should be applied one week after seeds have been sowed, followed by Potassium and Phosphorous application after ten to twelve days.
In a nutshell, Nursery fertilizer management for paddy is crucial for healthy growth of seedlings. Incorporating organic matter and balanced fertilizer in the right amount and timing, ensures maximum nutrient uptake by paddy seedlings and help them achieve their full potential.