Fertilizer Requirements

I
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
III
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.
IV A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS
1
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.
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.
3
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.
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.
5
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
).
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
7
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
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
to baskets/langdo dryland:
Fresh Weight 1 basket manure x 7.5
to baskets/langdo dryland:
to baskets/ sendrey:
to baskets/ sendrey
9
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
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
+ 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
11
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
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-
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
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
Figure 3. Fertilizer Use Trial in potato at Tsento, Paro
- NPK + NPK
13
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
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
NPK = 24:18:18 kg ac
-1
FYM = 4 ton ac
-1
NPK = 0.
FYM = 4 ton ac
-1
Figure 4. Chilli Nutrient trial
15
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
2
nd
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
spring fush
K
2
O 100-150 170g 255g
MoP
250-350 425g 595g
MoP
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
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
17
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.
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.
19
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.

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A GUIDE TO FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION FOR MAJOR CROPS

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