Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Fertilizers

Nitrogen:Being a legume, it does not require much nitrogenous fertilizers. However, there is general agreement that a starter dose of 10-30 kg N/ha gives positive response in most of the soils depending upon the initial N status of the soil.

Phosphorus:In India, responses of red gram to phosphorus are generally positive.Phosphorus is necessary for root and nodule development. Application of 50-60kg P2O5/ha is necessary for red gram crop.

Potassium:Red gram normally does not respond to potassium application unless grown on the soils low in available potassium. 20-30 kg K2O/ha may be supplied in potassium deficit soils.

Micro nutrients:Most of red gram cultivars show susceptibility to zinc deficiency. Application ofzinc sulphate at the rate of 20-25 kg/ha at the time of sowing or foliar spray of 0.5 per cent Zincsulphate with 0.25 per cent lime is effective in controlling zinc deficiency.