Fertiliser Management Practices for Horticultural Crops

Abstract

Horticulture sector includes a wide variety of crops under different groups such as fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushroom, floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plants, nuts, and plantation crops including coconut and oil palm. Horticulture, speedily growing sector, makes significant contribution to the Indian economy. India ranks second in horticulture production in the world, next only to China. Horticultural crops, being high value crops, receive high doses of fertilisers coupled with frequent irrigation to ensure proper crop growth, development, high productivity and quality produce . Nutrient requirements of different horticultural crops vary widely and even the varieties within one crop also have differential nutrient requirements due to genetic variability. Formulation of fertiliser recommendation is a continuous process. As a pre-requisite to the successful implementation of the fertiliser management practice, the evaluation of the nutrient status of the soils including micronutrients is necessary. Soil sampling for horticulture crops should be followed as per their rooting pattern. Nutrient removal/uptake; changes in crop variety, cultural practices and cropping intensities; and the yield targets set necessitate revision and updating of fertiliser recommendations. Supplying needed nutrients for horticultural crop production has to conform to the 4Rs viz., right rate, right source, right placement, and right timing in order to ensure more economic utilization of the fertiliser resources.