A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface 1. Background to fertilizer recommendations 1 1.1. Nutrient elements 1 2. Soils of Bhutan 2 2.1. Soil nutrient status classes 2 3. Recommended fertilizers 3 3.1. Commonly available fertilizers 3 3.1.1. Recommended fertilizers 3 3.1.2. Other fertilizers 3 3.2. Fertilizer proftability 3 3.3. Nutrient contents of fertilizers 3 3.4. Timing/method of application 4 3.4.1. Basal dressing 4 3.4.2. Top-dressing 4 3.4.3. Split application 4 3.5. Balanced fertilizer use 4 3.5.1. Nutrient uptake and removal by major crops 5 3.5.2. Practical guidelines for effective fertilizer use 5 4. Fertilizer rate calculations 6 4.1. The best way to calculate fertilizer rate 6 4.2. The easy way to calculate fertilizer rate 6 4.3. The easiest way to calculate fertilizer rate 7 4.4. FYM/compost rate calculation 8 5. Fertilizer recommendations 9 5.1. Fertilizer recommendations for rice (Oryza sativa L.) 9 5.2. Fertilizer recommendations for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) 10 5.3. Fertilizer recommendations for maize (Zea mays L.) 11 5.4. Fertilizer recommendations for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) 12 5.5. Fertilizer recommendations for chilli (Capsicum annum L.) 13 5.6. Fertilizer recommendations for other vegetables 14 5.7. Fertilizer recommendations for citrus (Citrus reticulata) 15 5.8. Fertilizer recommendations for apple (Malus domestica) 16 5.9. Fertilizer recommendations for areca-nut (Areca catechu) 16 6. Glossary of terms 18 7. References 19 ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 1 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM II A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 2 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM III A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS PREFACE The Fertilizer Recommendation Guide for Important Crops has been prepared by the National Soil Services Centre (NSSC) with the intention to provide some general guid- ance to the Extension Agents, Farmers, Researchers and others on the type and rate of fertilizer to be used on various crops. The National Soil Services Centre (NSSC) conducted numerous Farmer-Extension Fer- tilizer Use Trials (FEFUT) in different Dzongkhags during the Sustainable Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Management (SSF&PNM) Project, which was funded by the Dutch Government between 1996 and 2001. After the end of the Project, the Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Management Unit (SF&PNM) of the Centre continued with the on- farm trials together with on-station trials in collaboration with the Dzongkhag staff and research centres, respectively. The trials conducted were mainly on important feld crops. The results of these trials have been used as the basis for the fertilizer recom- mendations presented here. For those crops and places for which trials have not been conducted in recent times, the fertilizer recommendations developed by the Department of Agriculture from the results of the FAO Fertilizer Project trials that were conducted between 1986 and 1989 have been used with slight modifcations. The modifcations refect the soil analysis results of the many soils samples collected across the country from various farming systems and the nutrient uptake and re- moval by average yields of the crops in the concerned Dzongkhag. The publications cited under References were also consulted. Please note that the fertilizer recommendations given here are the best estimates available but are still general recommendations for the Dzongkhags. The optimum recommendations for specifc locations can be made only after soil sampling and soil analysis at the Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory (SPAL) at NSSC. This is most important, especially for cash crops, for maximising sustainable yields and proft. Therefore soil sampling and analysis are strongly recommended for more crop- and site- specifc fertilizer recommendations. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 3 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM IV A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 4 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM 1 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 1 BACKGROUND TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS 1.1. Nutrient elements Crop growth is infuenced by a number of factors of which plant nutrient availability is one important factor. There are 16 nutrient elements considered essential for plant growth. Essential elements are usually categorised into three groups as shown in the follow- ing table. Table 1. Essential plant nutrient PRIMARY NUTRIENTS SECONDARY NUTRIENTS MICRONUTRIENTS Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulphur (S) Iron (Fe) Zinc (Zn) Copper (Cu) Boron (B) Molybdenum (Mo) Chlorine (Cl) Manganese (Mn) Primary nutrients are required in larger quantities; Secondary nutrients are needed in lesser amounts than primary nutrients; and Micronutrients are required in small quantities. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are obtained from air and water while the other thirteen elements are referred to as fertilizer elements and have to be obtained from the soil. An essential plant nutrient element has the following characteristics: It plays a specifc role in the plant growth and development; In its absence, the completion of the life cycle of the plant cannot be achieved; If defcient, it causes a setback to plant growth, and the plant shows visual symptoms of the defciency. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 1 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM 2 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 2 SOILS OF BHUTAN The soils of Bhutan vary in texture as shown below for selected Dzongkhags in the different regions: Table 2. Soils of Bhutan REGION/DZONGKHAG SOIL TExTURE West: Haa, Paro, Thimphu Mostly loam to clay loam West Central Region: Punakha, Wangdiphodrang Mostly loam to clay loam East Central: Bumthang Mostly Sandy clay East: Monggar, Pemagatshel, Samdrupjongkhar, Trashigang Mostly silty clay loam, loam and clay loam South: Samtse, Serpang, Tsirang Mostly Sandy loam to loam
2.1. Soil nutrient status classes The overall soil nutrient status or chemical properties of the soils in Bhutan: The pH of the soils is within the low to medium range. The exchangeable Al saturation percentage is low to very low indicating no aluminium toxicity. The organic matter content is moderate. The C:N ratio is good with values within the range of 11 to 14.1, typical for agricultural soils. Phosphate and potassium contents are low in most soils. However phosphate defciency is considered more severe in Bhutanese soils as the underlying geol- ogy is rich in potassium. The percent base saturation (BS%) are low or very low in most soils, indicating less fertile soils. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) is low in most soils indicating low content of elements such as Ca and Mg in the soils. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 2 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM 3 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 3 RECOMMENDED FERTILIZERS 3.1. Commonly available fertilizers 3.1.1. Recommended fertilizers Urea (46% nitrogen N); Single super phosphate (SSP) (16% phosphorus P 2 O 5 ); Triple super phosphate (TSP) (46% phosphorus P 2 O 5 ); Muriate of potash (MoP) (60% potassium K 2 O); These are all simple fertilizers (containing only one primary nutrient). By using the correct amounts of all three in combination, the exact primary nutrient require- ments of any crop can be applied. 3.1.2. Other fertilizers Other fertilizers are available and are eective but have some disadvantages. CAN (Calcium ammonium nitrate 26% N): does not store well and has a high cost per kg N nutrient; Suphala (15:15:15 N: P 2 O 5 : K 2 O) is a compound fertilizer (containing more than one nutrient) that contains N, P 2 O 5 , K 2 O in equal quantities. Crops usually need most N and least K 2 O and so Suphala must be used with the recommended fertil- izers to meet the crop nutrient requirements and to not use too much P 2 O 5 & K 2 O. The solubility of the phosphate form is low in comparison to SSP. 3.2. Fertilizer protability The results of numerous FarmerExtension Fertilizer Use Trials (FEFUT) conducted indicate that it is usually more economical to use combinations of single nutrient fertilizers (e.g. Urea, SSP and MOP) than to use a compound fertilizer (e.g. Suphala) supplemented with single nitrogen fertilizers in any crop. 3.3. Nutrient contents of fertilizers The nutrient concentration or content of a bag of fertilizer differs between fertilizers. It is written as a fgure (%), which indicates the kg of the nutrient in 100 kg of fertilizer. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 3 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM 4 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS FERTILIZER N P 2 O 5 K 2 O FERTILIZER N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Urea 46 0 0 MoP 0 0 60 SSP 0 16 0 Suphala 15 15 15 TSP 0 46 0 3.4. Timing/method of application Three main terms are used to indicate the time to apply fertilizer. 3.4.1. Basal dressing Application of fertilizer or manure at or before sowing or planting the crops. Slow nutri- ent releasing fertilizers such as SSP, MoP and Suphala are best applied as basal dressing. 3.4.2. Top-dressing Application of fertilizer or manure when the crop is standing in the feld. Fast dissolv- ing fertilizers such as urea are best applied by top-dressing. 3.4.3. Split application Application of fertilizer or manure in split doses at different stages of crop growth to avoid nutrient losses through leaching or volatilisation. Urea is best applied in splits especially in light textured soils and in areas with high rainfall, because it is very soluble and does not stay in the rooting zone. 3.5. Balanced fertilizer use This is the most important principle when applying fertilizers to crops, in order to ensure sustainable soil fertility and crop yields. It means the application of fertilizers and manures to supply all the essential plant nutrients (primary, sec- ondary and micro), which the soil cannot provide in the amounts required for optimum crop growth and yield. Without balanced fertilizer applications, soil nutrient mining can take place due to the removal of soil nutrients through plant uptake. Soil fertility status declines rapidly resulting in the reduced crop growth and yield. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 4 1/15/2009 11:01:52 PM 5 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 3.5.1. Nutrient uptake and removal by major crops Nutrients taken up and removed by crops in the harvested product and the by-prod- ucts should be replaced with external inputs (fertilizers, manures, etc.) to avoid de- pleting soil nutrient reserves. Table 4 shows for each of the main crops in Bhutan the amount of the primary nutrients that a crop yielding 1 mt (metric tonne) of product removes from the soil. Table 3. Crop nutrient uptake and removal by crops yielding 1 mt produce CROP N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Rice 18 3 17 Wheat 23 10 20 Maize 25 10 32 Potato 5 2 8 Chilli 32 3 42 Pea & Bean 24 6 16 3.5.2. Practical guidelines for efective fertilizer use Use single super phosphate and Muriate of potash (MoP) as a basal dressing before planting or sowing the crop. However in areas with light textured soils and high rainfall, apply MoP in two or more splits to avoid losses through leaching. If urea is the only source of nitrogen, apply half the recommended rate as a basal dressing and use the remaining half to top-dress at the appropriate growth stage of the crop. If using a compound fertilizer like Suphala, use urea to top dress in two or more splits. Always use FYM or compost at the rate of 2-3 t/acre to help maintain soil struc- ture and fertility. Do not use fertilizer rates higher than the recommended rates as this wastes money. Fertilizer rates lower than the recommended may be used but yields and proftability will be less than for the recommended rates. To apply the exact recommendations, use single nutrient fertilizers (urea, SSP or TSP and MoP) together, or with a compound fertilizer (Suphala). If using Suphala (15:15:15), apply it at the rate needed to supply the amount of which- ever recommended nutrient rate is the lowest (P 2 O 5 or K 2 O). Then use single nutrient fertilizers, either as basal or top-dressing, to supply the additional amounts that the crop needs of other nutrients (usually N and P 2 O 5 ). ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 5 1/15/2009 11:01:53 PM 6 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 4 FERTILIZER RATE CALCULATIONS To convert nutrient recommendations (kg/ha or kg/ac) into how many kg of fertilizer per hectare or per acre are required, use the appropriate formula from below. 4.1. The best way to calculate fertilizer rate Kg/ha Kg/ac Recommended nutrient rate kg/ha x 100 Nutrient % of fertilizer Recommended nutrient rate kg/ac x 100 Nutrient % of fertilizer From kg/ha to gm/m 2 , divide by 10 From kg/ac to gm/m 2 , divide by 4 4.2. The easy way to calculate fertilizer rate Table 4. The easy way NUTRIENT kg TIMES EqUALS FERTILIZER kg TIMES EqUALS NUTRIENT kg Nitrogen 2.2 Urea 0.46 Nitrogen Nitrogen 6.7/5.9 Suphala (15/17) 0.15/17 Nitrogen Phosphorus 6.25 SSP 0.16 Phosphorus Phosphorus 2.2 TSP 0.46 Phosphorus Phosphorus 6.7/5.9 Suphala (15/17) 0.15/17 Phosphorus Potassium 1.7 Muriate of potash 0.60 Potassium Potassium 6.7/5.9 Suphala (15/17) 0.15/17 Potassium Phosphorus 5.0 Bonemeal 0.20 Phosphorus Nitrogen 5.5 Diammonium phosphate 0.18 Nitrogen Phosphorus 2.2 Diammonium phosphate 0.46 Phosphorus Nitrogen 4.0 Calcium ammonium nitrate 0.25 Nitrogen ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 6 1/15/2009 11:01:53 PM 7 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 4.3. The easiest way to calculate fertilizer rate Table 5. The easiest way NUTRIENT-FERTILIZER CONvERSION CHART NUTR- IENT (kg) N UREA (kg) P(P 2 0 5 ) SSP (kg) K(K 2 0) MOP (kg) N/P/K (N/P 2 0 5 /K 2 0) SUPHALA (kg) NUTR -IENT (kg) N UREA (kg) P(P 2 0 5 ) SSP (kg) K(K 2 0) MOP (kg) N/P/K (N/P 2 0 5 /K 2 0) SUPHALA (kg) 15% 17% 15% 17% 1 2.2 6.3 1.7 6.7 5.9 21 45.7 131.3 35.0 140.0 123.5 2 4.3 12.5 3.3 13.5 11.8 22 47.8 137.5 36.7 146.7 129.4 3 6.5 18.8 5.0 20.0 17.6 23 50.0 143.8 38.3 153.4 135.2 4 8.7 25.0 6.7 26.7 23.5 24 52.2 150.0 40.0 160.0 141.1 5 10.9 31.3 8.3 33.4 29.4 25 54.3 156.3 41.7 166.7 147.0 6 13.0 37.5 10.0 40.0 35.3 26 56.5 162.5 43.3 173.4 152.9 7 15.2 43.8 11.7 46.7 41.2 27 58.7 168.7 45.0 180.0 158.8 8 17.4 50.0 13.3 53.4 47.0 28 60.9 175.0 46.7 186.7 164.6 9 19.6 56.3 15.0 60.0 52.3 29 63.0 181.3 48.3 193.4 170.5 10 21.7 62.5 16.7 66.7 58.8 30 65.2 187.5 50.0 200.0 176.4 11 23.9 68.8 18.3 73.4 64.7 31 67.4 193.8 51.7 206.6 182.4 12 26.1 75.0 20.0 80.0 70.6 32 69.6 200.0 53.3 213.3 188.2 13 28.3 81.3 21.7 86.7 76.4 33 71.7 206.3 55.0 220.0 194.0 14 30.4 87.5 23.3 93.4 82.3 34 73.9 212.5 56.7 266.7 200.0 15 32.6 93.8 25.0 100.0 88.2 35 76.1 218.8 58.3 233.3 205.8 16 34.8 100.0 26.7 106.7 94.0 36 78.3 225.0 60.0 240.0 211.7 17 37.0 106.3 28.3 113.4 100.0 37 80.4 231.3 61.7 246.6 217.6 18 39.1 112.5 30.0 120.0 105.8 38 82.6 237.5 63.3 252.3 223.5 19 41.3 118.8 31.7 126.7 111.7 39 84.8 243.8 65.0 260.0 229.4 20 43.5 125.0 33.3 133.4 117.6 40 87.0 250.0 66.7 266.7 235.2 ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 7 1/15/2009 11:01:53 PM 8 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 4.4. FYM/compost rate calculation To calculate how many baskets of FYM are required per langdo or per drey seed area, use the appropriate formula from below (mt = 1000kg): Table 6. FYM or compost rate calculation (MT = metric tonnes = 1000kg) MT/ha MT/ac to baskets/ langdo wetland: Recommended FYM rate MT/ha x 1000 Fresh Weight 1 basket manure x 10 to baskets/ langdo wetland: Recommended FYM rate MT/ac x 1000 Fresh Weight 1 basket manure x 4 to baskets/langdo dryland: Recommended FYM rate MT/ha x 1000 Fresh Weight 1 basket manure x 7.5 to baskets/langdo dryland: Recommended FYM rate MT/ac x 1000 Fresh Weight 1 basket manure x 3 to baskets/ sendrey: Recommended FYM rate MT/ha x 1000 Fresh Weight 1 basket manure x 60 to baskets/ sendrey Recommended FYM rate MT/ac x 1000 Fresh Weight 1 basket manure x 24 ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 8 1/15/2009 11:01:53 PM 9 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 5 FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS Remember: A yield target will be reached only when the correct amount of nutrients is supplied at the right time to match the crops nutrient requirement during the season. High input farmers are aiming for yield maximisation i.e. best yield with no resource constraint. Low input farmers are aiming for proft maximisation i.e. best return on lim- ited resources. Recommendations are presented as kilogram per acre of the main nutrient e.g. 26:16:16 means 26 kg N + 16 kg P 2 O 5 + 16 kg K 2 O per acre. 5.1. Fertilizer recommendations for rice (Oryza sativa L.) Table 7. Fertilizer recommendations for rice CROP/DISTRICT FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS (kg/ac) RICE HIGH-RESOURCE FARMERS LOW-RESOURCE FARMERS N P 2 O 5 K 2 O N P 2 O 5 K 2 O LOCAL vARIETY Gaylephu 32 20 8 20 16 8 Paro 28 16 16 24 12 8 Punkaha 28 16 14 16 8 8 Thimphu 30 16 12 20 16 8 Trongsa 24 14 8 20 12 8 Tsirang 36 16 8 20 16 8 Wangdiphodrang 24 14 14 16 12 8 HIGH YIELDING vARIETY Gaylephu 32 20 12 30 12 8 Paro 32 20 8 32 16 8 Punakha 32 16 8 28 16 16 Samchi 32 20 16 24 16 12 Thimphu 32 20 8 30 20 8 Trashigang 28 24 12 20 16 8 Tsirang 36 24 12 28 16 8 Wangdi-phodrang 32 20 8 28 16 16 ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 9 1/15/2009 11:01:53 PM 10 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS urea into 2 equal doses ( at tillering; at stem elongation) can further im- prove yields; Use more splits with long duration varieties and in the dry season; Apply more urea when the crop demand for N is large (between mid-tillering and fowering); Do not apply urea top-dressing when heavy rainfall is expected; Do not apply urea on to standing water, under windy conditions before canopy closure, or at midday when the water temperature is highest; When top-dressing, close the terrace water inlets and outlets for at least three days; and, Use 2-3 tonnes/acre of FYM/compost at land preparation and plough or culti- vate it into the soil before sowing, planting or transplanting. 5.2. Fertilizer recommendations for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Table 8. Fertilizer recommendations for wheat CROP/DISTRICT FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS (Kg/ac) WHEAT (HIGH YIELDING) HIGH-RESOURCE FARMERS LOW-RESOURCE FARMERS N P 2 O 5 K 2 O N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Bumthang 24 16 12 20 12 8 Gaylephu 24 16 8 20 12 0 Paro 32 16 16 24 12 12 Punakha 32 16 12 20 12 8 Thimphu 28 20 16 20 16 16 Trongsa 24 16 8 20 12 8 Tsirang 24 16 8 20 12 0 Wangdiphodrang 32 16 12 20 12 8 + NPK with split N application - NPK Figure 1. Farmer-Extension Fertilizer Use Trial in rice at Kekhorthang in Tsirang Apply the entire dose of SSP, MOP and Suphala as a basal dressing; If half the urea is applied as basal dressing, then top- dress the other half at active tillering stage (20-30 days after transplant- ing) or after frst weeding. Splitting the top-dressed ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 10 1/15/2009 11:01:53 PM 11 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS Apply the entire dose of SSP, MOP * and Suphala as a basal dressing; If half the urea is applied as basal * dressing, then top-dress the other half immediately before the frst irrigation, at crown root initiation stage (20-40 days after sowing de- pending on altitude); Figure 2. Farmer-Extension Fertilizer Use Trial in wheat at Tsento, Paro. creased by increasing N supply at grain initiation and grain formation. However, too much N at this stages can delay ripening and can lower the quality of grain protein; 60% of the expected maximum total nutrient uptake (N+P 2 O 5 +K 2 O) occurs by the middle or end of shooting; this is why nutrients must be applied during early growth; Use 2-3 tonnes per acre of FYM/compost at land preparation for best results; Wheat grows on all types of soils except on very light sandy soils or peat soils. 5.3. Fertilizer recommendations for maize (Zea mays L.) Table 9. Fertilizer recommendations for maize CROP/DISTRICT FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS (Kg/ac) MAIZE HIGH-RESOURCE FARMERS LOW-RESOURCE FARMERS (LOCAL vARIETY) N P 2 O 5 K 2 O N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Dagana 40 28 16 32 24 12 Gaylephu 40 32 20 32 20 8 Tsirang 40 28 16 32 24 12 Apply the entire dose of SSP, MOP and Suphala as a basal dressing; If half the urea is applied as basal dressing, then top-dress the other half at frst weeding at knee high stage; To avoid unproductive tillering and secondary shoots, restrict nutrient supply (especially N) to early growth stages (i.e. start of tillering); Grain protein content can be in- ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 11 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 12 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS Apply N annually. Maize is often grown in coarse textured soils where N leaching is high. Applying N fertilizers as a side-dressing is effective; Grows best in rotation with another crop, especially a legume; Maize takes up over half the N and P and 80% of the K before the crop reaches the reproductive stage. Apply these major nutrients early so that they are avail- able when the crop needs them in the growing season; Use 2-3 tonnes / acre of FYM/compost at land preparation; Maize does well on any soil with adequate drainage and pH 6.0 7.2. 5.4. Fertilizer recommendations for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Table 10. Fertilizer recommendations for potato CROP/DISTRICT FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS (Kg/ac) POTATO HIGH-RESOURCE FARMERS LOW-RESOURCE FARMERS N P 2 O 5 K 2 O N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Bumthang 40 32 24 32 36 16 Chhukha 32 20 12 24 16 8 Gaylephu 32 24 16 24 20 8 Haa 32 24 12 24 16 8 Paro 40 32 32 28 28 12 Thimphu 40 28 12 28 20 8 Trashigang 40 32 32 36 32 12 Tsirang 40 32 12 32 24 8 Wangdiphodrang 40 32 32 28 24 12 Figure 3. Fertilizer Use Trial in potato at Tsento, Paro - NPK + NPK ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 12 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 13 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS Apply the entire dose of SSP, MOP and Suphala as a basal dressing; If half the urea is applied as basal dressing, then top-dress the other half at earthing up when the leaves are about 10-15 cm long, or at tuber initia- tion; Potato uses large amounts of N, frequently more than the total applied as fer- tilizer. Therefore, recommend adequate amount of N fertilizer and advice it to be applied in at least two to three split applications. However, excess N at or before tuberization can delay tuber growth and reduce yields. Phosphorus (P) is immobile in soil and therefore does not move from where it is placed. P fertilizers should either be mixed into the seedbed before planting or banded at planting; Potato require high levels of available soil potassium (K). Potassium is relatively immobile in the soil. For best results, K fertilizers should be applied pre-plant and mixed into the seedbed; Where large amounts (e.g. 100 kg/ac) are to be applied, apply K in two to three splits with 6-8 weeks between each split; Place fertilizers close to but not in contact with seed tubers for more effcient fertilizer use; Potato grows on most soils but harvesting is easier on light and medium textured soils; The desirable soil pH range is of 6.0 7.0. Soil pH above 7.0 can damage skin quality. 5.5. Fertilizer recommendations for chilli (Capsicum annum L.) Trials on integrated use of FYM and inorganic fertilizers with a local chilli variety were conducted for four years (2001 2004) at NSSC in Semtokha. The results clearly showed the beneft of the integrated use of FYM and inorganic fertilizers in terms of yield and quality [5.17 tons ac -1 with the highest rate of NPK of 24-18-18 kg ac -1 and the highest yield of 4.78 tons ac -1 with the higher rates of 4 tons ac -1 of FYM applica- tion]. Most of our farmers use only FYM and some leaf litters while growing chillies, the results of the study can be used as a reliable guide for our condition. The use of fertilizer at the rates below in addition to farmers traditional practice of FYM/leaf litter is recommended. Table 11. Fertilizer recommendations for chilli CROP/AREA NUTRIENT (Kg/ac) CHILLI HIGH INPUT 1 LOW INPUT 1 N P 2 O 5 K 2 O N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Rain fed 24 18 18 16 8 8 Irrigated 28 24 24 20 12 12 ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 13 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 14 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS Apply the entire dose of SSP, MoP and Suphala as a basal dressing; If half the urea is applied as basal dressing, split the other half into 2 top- dressings at 30 and 60 DAP; Use 2-3 tonnes per acre of FYM /compost at land preparation; Needs deep, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter and pH of 6.5 7.5 5.6. Fertilizer recommendations for other vegetables Recommended nutrient rates for common commercial vegetables are summarized in Table 12 below; and in Table 13,14 & 15 for tree crops. Table 12. Fertilizer recommendation for other important vegetable crops CROP TIME MT/ac NUTRIENT (Kg/ac) COMMENTS FYM N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Asparagus 1 st year 2 nd year Basal Side 20 60 36 40 16 80 Apply FYM / compost at transplanting. From the 2 nd year, side dress fertilizer Bean Basal 5-8 10 30 0 Grows on wide range of soils, pH 5.5-6.8. Legume so needs little N. Brinjal Basal TD 16 16 28 12 Best temperature for growth 25-30 o C. TD (top-dress) 30 DATP Cabbage Basal TD1 TD2 5-6 20 10 10 30 0 Grows on all soil types if no waterlogging. Ideal pH 6-6.8. 1 st top-dressing 30 DATP 2 nd top-dressing 60 DATP Carrot Basal 8 4 24 Needs K for proper development of roots. Cauli- fower Basal TD1 TD2 5-6 20 10 10 30 0 Requires well-drained soils, pH 6-6.8. 1 st top dressing 30 DATP 2 nd top dressing 60 DATP NPK = 24:18:18 kg ac -1 FYM = 4 ton ac -1 NPK = 0. FYM = 4 ton ac -1 Figure 4. Chilli Nutrient trial ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 14 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 15 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS CROP TIME MT/ac NUTRIENT (Kg/ac) COMMENTS FYM N P 2 O 5 K 2 O Chinese Cabbage Basal TD1 TD2 5-6 20 10 10 30 0 Requires well-drained soils, pH 6-6.8. 1 st top dressing 30 DATP 2 nd top dressing 60 DATP Cucumber Basal TD 8-10 18 12 14 10 Requires good moisture & FYM/OM. Loamy soils best, pH 5.5-6.8. Top dress 4-6 weeks after planting. Garlic Basal TD 8-10 20 20 30 30 Top dress after 6-8 weeks, if required. Lettuce Basal 4-5 8 16 8 Needs continuous moisture so irrigation /water source essential Onion Basal TD 8-10 20 20 30 30 Grows on any soil with good FYM/OM. Bulbs may be poor on heavy wet soils. Optimum pH 6.0-6.8. Top-dress 30 DAP. Pea Basal 8-10 20 30 30 Grows on all soils, except if waterlogged or compacted. Legume so needs little N. Radish Basal 4-5 20 20 20 Grows best in light OM-rich soil pH 6.6-6.8. Saag and Spinach Basal 8-10 20 0 0 Grow well in all soils; prefer well drained and adequate FYM/OM. pH 6-6.8. Tomato Basal TD 4-8 20 15 20 10 Grows best on rich, well drained soils. pH 5.5-6.8. Top-dress 30 DAP. NB: TD = Top dressing; DAP = Days after planting; DATP = Days after transplanting FYM = farmyard manure; OM = any organic matter e.g. FYM, compost, leaf litter 5.7. Fertilizer recommendations for citrus (Citrus reticulata) Table 13. Nutrient recommendation for citrus PLANT NUTRIENT NON BEARING TREES (G/TREE/YR) BEARING TREES (G/TREE/YEAR) TIME OF APPLICATION NUTRIENT FERTILIZER NUTRIENT FERTILIZER N 50-100 110g 220g Urea 150-250 330-550g Urea After harvest & prior to spring fush P 2 O 5 20-50 126g 315g SSP 50-100 315g 630g SSP After harvest & prior to spring fush K 2 O 100-150 170g 255g MoP 250-350 425g 595g MoP After harvest & prior to spring fush Micro- nutrients To be applied based on soil & plant analysis result When trees have the most fully expanded leaves FYM To be applied based upon availability ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 15 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 16 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 5.8. Fertilizer recommendations for apple (Malus domestica) Table 14. Nutrient recommendation for apple PLANT NUTRIENTS NON BEARING TREES (G/TREE/YR) BEARING TREES (G/TREE/YEAR) MATURED BEARING TREES (G/TREE/YEAR) NUTRIENT FERTILIZER NUTRIENT FERTILIZER NUTRIENT FERTILIZER N 46-69 100 150g Urea 46-69 100-150g Urea 69-92 150-200g Urea P 2 O 5 16 100g SSP 24-32 150-200g SSP 32-48 200-300g SSP K 2 O 60-90 100 150g MoP 90-120 150-200g MoP 120-150 200-250g MoP Micro- nutrient To be applied based on soil & plant analysis result FYM Depending upon the availability of farmyard manure, incorporate about a basket each around the tree without touching the tree trunks. For apple, split N application, half in December-March with full P & K; other half in June Irrigate/moisten the soils after fertilizer application. 5.9. Fertilizer recommendations for areca-nut (Areca catechu) Table 15. Nutrient recommendation for areca-nut PLANT NUTRIENT YEAR 1 (G/PALM/YEAR) YEAR 2 (G/PALM/YEAR) YEAR 3 ONWARDS (G/PALM/YEAR) NUTRIENT FERTILIZER NUTRIENT FERTILIZER NUTRIENT FERTILIZER N 34 75g urea 67 147g urea 100 220g urea P 2 O 5 13 81g SSP 27 169g SSP 40 250g SSP K 2 O 47 80g MoP 94 160g MoP 140 238g MoP For areca-nut, apply farmyard manure in planting pit and yearly, 1-3 baskets/ palm/year, according to tree size. FYM and compost may be applied in single dose in September October. The fertilizers may be applied in two split doses: one third of the fertilizer may be applied in May June and two third along with the organics during Septem- ber October. The frst dose of fertilizers may be applied in basins of about 1 m radius, made around the palm to a depth of 15-20cm ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 16 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 17 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS The second dose of fertilizers can be applied to the base of each palm all around and mixed with the soil by a light forking. Please note that: All chemical fertilizers should be mixed with the soil. Keep a distance of one or two feet away from the tree when fertilizer is being mixed with soil. Most of the feeder roots that take up the nutrients from the soil are in the region under the tree canopy and applying nutrients in this area ensures proper uptake by the roots, The soil should be moist or a light irrigation should be applied after the application of fertilizers. The fertilizers must be dissolved to release nutrients and these nutri- ents can only be reached to root zone by water. The excess application of chemical fertilizers above the recommended dosage may not be economical. Last word The above tables are general recommendations only. The best recommendations can be made only after soil and plant analysis at the Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory (SPAL) NSSC. This is especially important for cash crops. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 17 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 18 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 6 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ANION: a negatively charged ion (NO 3 - , PO 4 2- , SO 4 2- ) CARBON TO NITROGEN RATIO (C:N): Organic matter is broken down by microbes, which use carbon for energy. Microbes require about one nitrogen atom for each 25 carbon atoms. This is a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N) of 25:1. If the organic matter has a higher C:N, microbes will need more nitrogen than is in the organic matter and will take from the soil. Microbes are more effcient than crops in obtaining nitrogen from the soil. If there is not enough nitrogen for both the microbes and the crops, the crops can suffer from nitrogen defciency. Organic matter with a C:N ratio less than 25:1 should not be a problem. CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY (CEC): defned as the degree to which a soil can ad- sorb and exchange cations. CATION: a positively charged ion (NH 4 + , K + , Ca 2+ , Fe 2+ , etc.). EXCHANGEABLE ALUMINIUM SATURATION: In highly acid soils, aluminium can be- come more available and more toxic to the plant. Exchangeable Al saturation per- centage in soil becomes high when basic nutrients such as calcium and magnesium are replaced by acidic elements such as aluminium. PERCENT BASE SATURATION: Percent base saturation tells what percent of the ex- change sites are occupied by the basic cations. The percent base saturation is re- lated to the pH, chemistry of dominant soil and soil formation. SOIL ORGANIC MATTER: Soil organic matter improves soil structure, moisture, aera- tion, cation exchange capacity and decomposition of organic matter releases nutri- ents, which can be used by plants. SOIL PH: The soil pH value is a measure of soil acidity or alkalinity. Soil pH directly affects nutrient availability to plants. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 as neutral. Numbers less than 7 indicate acidity while numbers greater than 7 indicate alkalinity. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 18 1/15/2009 11:01:54 PM 19 A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS 7 REFERENCES Department of Agriculture. (1989). Extension publication No. 8. (Oct. 1989). Fertilizer recommendations for rice, wheat, potato and maize production. RNRRC-Bajo. Research Recommendations for vegetable cultivation. April 1998 Dobermann and T. Fairhurst (2000). Rice. Nutrient Disorders and Nutrient Management. International Rice Research Institute & Potash & Phosphate Institute/Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada. Oxford Graphic Printer Pte. Ltd. D.J Halliday and W. Wichmann (1991). IFA World Fertilizer Use Manual. International Fertilizer Industry Association. SSF&PNM (2000). Agro forestry and Soil Fertility Survey report. Department of Research and Devel- opment Services. Ministry of Agriculture, Bhutan. SSF&PNM (2001). IPNS Manual. Working with farmers for improved soil fertility & plant nutrition management. Department of Research and Development Services. Ministry of Ag- riculture, Bhutan. RNRRC-BAJO (1998) Research Recommendations for vegetable Cultivation. REID, Ministry of Agricul- ture. Bhutan. ANNUAL FERTILIZER_2.indd 19 1/15/2009 11:01:55 PM