Sure, here’s an article on nutrient management in gram:
Nutrient management is vital for achieving high yields and maintaining the sustainability of the agricultural systems. Gram, also known as chickpea, is an important staple crop that provides protein and other essential nutrients to millions of people worldwide. Proper management of nutrients in gram cultivation can improve yield, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of the crop.
Nutrient requirements of gram:
Gram plants require a balanced supply of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients (iron, zinc, manganese, etc.) for optimal growth and development. The amount of nutrients required varies depending on the soil type, climatic conditions, and other factors. Generally, the following nutrient requirements are recommended for gram cultivation:
– Nitrogen (N): Gram plants require about 60-80 kg N/ha, which should be applied in split doses. Application of 1/3 N at the time of sowing, 1/3 N at the vegetative stage, and 1/3 N at the flowering stage is recommended.
– Phosphorus (P): Gram plants require about 40-50 kg P2O5/ha, which should be applied as basal dose at the time of sowing.
– Potassium (K): Gram plants require about 20-30 kg K2O/ha, which should be applied as basal dose at the time of sowing.
– Micronutrients: Gram plants also require micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), etc., which should be applied as foliar sprays or as part of the basal fertilizers. The recommended rates vary depending on the soil status and crop stage.
Sources of nutrients:
The major sources of nutrients for gram cultivation are chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and biofertilizers.
– Chemical fertilizers: Gram plants respond well to chemical fertilizers such as urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MOP), etc. These fertilizers provide the required macronutrients in the readily available form to the plants. However, excess use of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, pollution, and decrease in soil fertility.
– Organic manures: Organic manures such as farmyard manure (FYM), compost, green manure, etc. are excellent sources of nutrients for gram plants. These manures provide a slow-release source of nutrients, improve soil structure and water-holding capacity, and enhance soil microbial activity. The recommended dose of organic manures for gram cultivation is about 10-12 t/ha.
– Biofertilizers: Biofertilizers such as Rhizobium, Azospirillum, and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can enhance the nutrient availability and uptake in gram plants. Rhizobium bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen in a symbiotic relationship with gram plants. Azospirillum bacteria enhance plant growth and improve nutrient use efficiency. PSB bacteria release phosphorus from the soil, making it available to the plants. The recommended doses of biofertilizers vary depending on the crop stage and soil conditions.
Nutrient management practices:
Effective nutrient management practices in gram cultivation involve the following steps:
– Soil testing: Before planting gram, soil testing should be done to assess the soil fertility status and nutrient requirements. Based on the soil test report, the fertilizer dose and type should be determined.
– Balanced fertilization: A balanced fertilization approach that matches the nutrient requirement of the crop with the available nutrients in the soil should be adopted. Overuse or underuse of fertilizers should be avoided.
– Nutrient timing: The application of fertilizers should be timed according to the nutrient requirement of the crop at different stages. The application of split doses of fertilizers is recommended to ensure the continuous supply of nutrients to the plants.
– Organic manure application: Application of organic manures should be done before planting or at the time of land preparation to improve soil fertility and nutrient availability.
– Use of biofertilizers: Biofertilizers should be used as part of nutrient management practices to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers and improve the soil microbial diversity.
– Irrigation management: Proper water management is essential for nutrient uptake in gram plants. Overwatering or underwatering can affect the nutrient availability and uptake in plants.
In conclusion, nutrient management is crucial for achieving high yield in gram cultivation. The use of balanced fertilizers, organic manures, and biofertilizers can improve soil fertility and nutrient availability, reduce the environmental impact, and enhance the quality of the crop. By adopting nutrient management practices, farmers can improve the sustainability and profitability of their gram cultivation.