Introduction to Major Field Crops

Nutrient Management

Requirement of nutrients by hybrids is higher because of its greater potentially for grain production.

Manures
Application of 10 tons of well decomposed farm yard manure per hectare helps in improving the yield under irrigated condition and 7.5 t/ha under rainfed condition.

Fertilizers
Nitrogen: Nitrogen level in the range 100-120 kg/ha is applied. There is gradual increase in the requirement of nitrogen by the growing crop, the highest nitrogen requirement being exhibited at the flowering stage. Subsequently, the demand for nitrogen starts declining. Therefore, adequate nitrogen supply should be ensured from germination to the flowering stage. To achieve this, nitrogen is usually applied in three equal splits at sowing, knee high stage and tasseling stages.

Phosphorus: It is the next most important plant nutrient after nitrogen which is found deficient in most soils. It has a beneficial effect on root growth and plant health. Application of 40-60 kg/ha of phosphorus is necessary for getting better yields. Its application in single dose as a placement below seed is highly desirable.

Potassium: Potassium is essential for vigorous growth of the plant and for so many other metabolic activities. Placement of 30-40 kg/ha potassium little away from the seed is generally found to be quite adequate.

Zinc: Higher uptake of other nutrients increases the demand of zinc. It is, therefore, advisable to apply zinc sulphate @ 20-25 kg/ha in those conditions where its deficiency is more conspicuous.