Paddy or rice is one of the essential staple foods in the world, especially in Asia. Its cultivation begins in the nursery before transplanting into the main field. To achieve optimal growth and development of paddy seedlings in the nursery, the right amount of fertilizer application is crucial. In this article, we will discuss the recommended fertilizer dose in paddy nursery and its importance.
Importance of fertilizer application in paddy nursery
Fertilizers play a vital role in paddy nursery as it provides essential nutrients for the seedlings. It helps in promoting early growth, nutrient absorption, and root development. Proper fertilizer application also improves the tolerance of seedlings to various stresses such as drought, flooding, and pests and disease infestations. Fertilizer application can also increase yield and quality of the paddy crop.
Recommended Fertilizer Dose in Paddy Nursery
The recommended fertilizer dose in paddy nursery varies depending on several factors, such as soil fertility, plant spacing, seed quality, and rainfall. However, the following is a general recommendation for paddy nursery fertilization:
1. Organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure, compost, and green manures are rich in organic matter and essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A recommended dose of 7-10 kg of organic fertilizer per square meter is necessary for paddy nursery fertilization. The application should be done before land preparation, mixing the organic matter with the soil.
2. Inorganic fertilizers
Inorganic fertilizers such as urea, ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, and muriate of potash are essential for paddy nursery fertilization. The recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers is as follows:
Nitrogen (N): Apply 2-4 kg of urea per square meter or 40-80 kg per hectare (ha) one week after land preparation.
Phosphorous (P): Apply 2-3 kg of superphosphate or 1-2 kg of triple superphosphate per square meter or 40-60 kg per ha after land preparation.
Potassium (K): Apply 1-2 kg of muriate of potash per square meter or 20-40 kg per ha after land preparation.
It is advisable to apply N and P in split dosages, initially at planting and then after 15-20 days of planting.
Conclusion
Proper fertilizer management is crucial for paddy nursery and the overall paddy crop success. It is essential to follow the recommended fertilizer dose for nursery fertilization and take into account other factors that affect plant growth in the nursery. Besides, care should be taken to avoid over-application or under-application of fertilizers which may negatively affect plant growth and yield. With proper fertilizer application, farmers can achieve optimal growth, development, and yield of their paddy crops.