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Boro rice, also known as winter rice, is grown during the dry season from December to May in Bangladesh, India, and other parts of South Asia. It is an important crop for food security and income generation, as it contributes to a significant portion of the total rice production in these regions. However, like all crops, boro rice requires proper fertilization to ensure a good harvest. In this article, we will discuss the recommended fertilizer dose for boro rice.
Before we dive into the fertilizer dose, it’s important to understand the nutrient requirements of boro rice. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the primary macronutrients needed for rice growth. Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth and grain yield, whereas phosphorus is important for root development and early growth. Potassium is vital for the overall health and disease resistance of rice plants. Secondary macronutrients include sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg), while micronutrients include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu).
Now, let’s take a look at the recommended fertilizer dose for boro rice.
Nitrogen: Boro rice requires a high dose of nitrogen due to its prolonged vegetative period. The recommended dose is 120-150 kg N per hectare. Of this, 50-60 kg N should be applied as basal before transplanting, 30-40 kg N at tillering, and the remaining 40-50 kg N at panicle initiation.
Phosphorus: The recommended dose of phosphorus is 60 kg P2O5 per hectare. Half of this should be applied as basal before transplanting, while the other half should be topdressed at the tillering stage.
Potassium: Boro rice requires a moderate dose of potassium, which is 80-100 kg K2O per hectare. It should be applied as a basal dose before transplanting.
Sulfur: Boro rice needs a small amount of sulfur, which is 10-15 kg S per hectare. It can be supplied either through the soil or as a foliar spray.
Calcium and Magnesium: Boro rice requires a balanced ratio of calcium and magnesium, which is 100 kg CaO and 25 kg MgO per hectare. They can be applied as basal before transplanting.
Micronutrients: Boro rice needs a small amount of micronutrients, which can be supplied through the soil or as a foliar spray. The recommended dose is 2-3 kg FeSO4, 2-3 kg MnSO4, 1-2 kg ZnSO4, and 0.5-1 kg CuSO4 per hectare.
It’s important to note that the recommended fertilizer dose may vary depending on the soil type, climate, and other factors. Therefore, it’s best to get a soil test done before applying fertilizers to boro rice. Soil testing can determine the nutrient status of the soil and identify any deficiencies or excesses. Based on the soil test results, the fertilizer dose can be adjusted accordingly.
In conclusion, boro rice requires a balanced dose of macronutrients and micronutrients for optimal growth and yield. The recommended fertilizer dose for boro rice is 120-150 kg N, 60 kg P2O5, 80-100 kg K2O, 10-15 kg S, 100 kg CaO, 25 kg MgO, and 2-3 kg FeSO4, MnSO4, ZnSO4, and CuSO4 per hectare. By following these guidelines and getting a soil test done, farmers can ensure a good harvest of boro rice.