Agriculture

What are the different methods for the application of fertilisers in vegetable crops? 

Answer:

Methods of Fertilizer Application in Vegetable Crops

The application of fertilizers varies based on soil type, crop requirements, and growth stages. In general, phosphorus (P) and potash (K) are fully applied during land preparation, while nitrogen (N) is applied in two to three split doses, with half as a basal dose and the remaining as top dressing.

---

1. Basal Application

Fertilizers are applied to the soil before or at the time of planting. Different methods include:

• Broadcasting: Spreading nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the soil surface before plowing.
• Furrow Placement: Placing fertilizers in a continuous band at the bottom of a furrow during plowing.
• Band Placement: Fertilizers are placed 2-3 inches away from the row and 2-3 inches below the surface.
• Combination Placement: Broadcasting or furrow placement combined with band placement at the row side.
• Drill Application: Fertilizers are applied with a seed-cum-fertilizer drill before or during sowing.

---

2. Top Dressing

Fertilizers are applied to standing crops during growth. Methods include:

• Broadcasting in moist fields (2-5 days after irrigation).
• Applying fertilizers around individual plants.
• Applying fertilizers along crop rows.

---

3. Foliar Application

Fertilizers are sprayed directly onto leaves, allowing nutrients to enter through stomata. This method helps correct nutrient deficiencies and improves yield and quality.

• Urea (0.5-1.5%) is commonly used due to its high solubility and quick absorption.

---

4. Methods of Micro-Nutrient Application

Micro-nutrients (Fe, Zn, B, Mn, Mo) are applied in different ways:

• Soil Application: Mixed with fertilizers in recommended doses (e.g., 0.5-10 kg/ha for iron, 5-12 kg/ha for manganese, etc.).
• Seedling Root Dipping: Roots of seedlings are dipped in 0.2-0.3% Zinc sulphate solution before transplanting.
• Seed Treatment: Seeds are coated with micro-nutrient compounds like Cu, Fe, Mo, Zn, B, and Mn before sowing.
• Foliar Spray: Micro-nutrients are sprayed on leaves, making them quickly available to plants and avoiding soil fixation.

Each vegetable crop requires specific NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash) doses to maximize yield and quality.