(4) PLANT NUT FER N MANURES( 2)

AGR 101

PLANT NUTRIENTSFERTILIZERs

ANDMANURES

Dr MR KhanFaculty CAS

AGRONOMY 101COURSE CONTENT

F. Manures and FertilizersIntroduction, elements of crop nutrients Definition of manures and fertilizersClassification of manures and fertilizers Preparation and preservation of manuresMethods of application of manures and fertilizers,

their advantages and disadvantagesMaintenance of soil productivity through agronomic

manipulationFertilizer distribution

YIELD GAP

weeds

diseases and insects

DISEASE OF POTATOS

Problem Soil

Water

PRODUCTION TREE

YIELD COMPONENTS ( Ishizuka,Y.)

Y( Kg/ha) =

• (No of plants /m2

• No of Spikelets/m2 • No of ears/ m2x • No of spikelets/ear) x • % of spikelets bearing a ripe grain x • average weight per grain ( based on 1000 grains) x10,000

AVENUES OF ENGINEERING FOR HIGHER YIELD ( Ishuzu,Y)

Plant TypeDecreased plant typeIncreased No of effective tillersErect leaf habitOptimum LAI of 5.5-6.0Long ripening peroidNitrogen responsiveness

•

To obtain 6 tons/ha rice , we need

25 plants/m216 effective tillers/plant80 spikelets/ear85% of spikelets bear mature grain0.022 g/seed( 22gm/1000)

NEW IRRI RICE IDEOTYPE

To increase the yield potential of rice further, a new plant type was conceptualized in 1988 at IRRI. IRRI scientists proposed further modifications of plant architecture with following characteristics:

·Low tillering,( 9-10 tillers for transplanted conditions)·No unproductive tillers·200-250 grains per panicle·Dark green, thick and erect leaves·Vigorous and deep root system

YIELD COMPONENTS

Y( Kg/ha) = (No of plants /m2 = 25• No of tillers/plant= 10• No of spikelets/ear) = 225 • % of spikelets bearing a ripe grain=100

• average weight per grain =0.022 gm ( based on 1000 grains) x10,000 Yield t/ha= (25x10x225x22)x 10000/1000x1000 =12.48

Techniques of Fertilizer Aplication

Vegetative stage more responsive to N than the reproductive stageProper application of NitrogenSplit application of NBalanced dose of Fertilizer

Translocation and Respiration

Yield= photosynthesis- Respiration

Low respirationBetter translocation to the sink

Soils

•Soil dependent agriculture•Fertilizer dependent agriculture•Physical, biological and chemical properties of soil•Soil productivity•Soil fertility Evaluation

SOILs contdSoil Fertility: Soil fertility means inborn capacity of the soil

to provide the essential nutrients in right amount and proportion to the plants for proper growth and development.

Soil Productivity: Soil productivity means the capacity of the soil to produce one or more crops under a definite soil management system.

This means a soil may not be productive even though it is fertile.

Elements of Soil Fertility:A. Natural : Parent materials, ( minerals: 13 out of 16 from

soils) ;climate, plantation, topography, age of the soil B. Artificial /agronomical manipulations : Tillage, soil

moisture , soil acidity, soil nutrients, soil organic matters

Soil Productivity FactorsAgronomical manipulations

• Atmospheric temperature (Use of best temp regime/period)

• Rainfall amount• Irrigation and drainage• Timely planting/sowing• Proper intercultural operations• Timely application of fertilizer and manures

• Application of balanced fertilizers• Control of weeds pests and diseases

FERTILIZER DEFINEDFertilizers are industrially manufactured chemicals containing

plant nutrients. Nutrient content is higher in fertilizers than in organic manures and nutrients from fertilizers are released almost immediately.

Plant nutrients are lost from the soil in different ways:Crop harvesting/removal by weedsLeaching/percolationErosion/run-offVolatilizationDenitrification

When the crop requirements > soil supplying powerADD nutrients from outsideThat is the essence of Fertilizer and Manures

Fertilizers are indispensable in the production of food to feed the world.

MANURES DEFINEDManures are plant and animal wastes that are used as a source of plant nutrients. They release nutrients after their decomposition. Manures can be grouped into:

Bulky : FYM, Composts ,GM Conc: oilcakes, bloodmeal, fish meal ( org nitrogen fertilizers)

PLANT NUTRIENTSArnon’s Essentiality of Plant Nutrients(1954)

a) the plant must be unable to grow normally or complete its life cycle in absence of the element

b) the element is specific and cannot be replaced by another and

c) the element plays direct role in metabolism

Point b cannot be accepted absolutely as later investigations have proved that Mo can be substituted by V, Cl by Br, Ca by sr and so on.

18 ESSENTIAL PLANT LEMENTS

Major nutrients• C, H, O ( air/water)• N,P,K ( soil: primary. Atmospheric N : symbiotic bacteria, azofication, also from rain and snow)

• Ca, Mg, S ( soil: secondary)

Micronutrients• Fe, Mn, B, Co, Cu, Zn, Na, Mo and Cl

ROLES/FUNCTIONS OF ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

• Structural components of cell constituencies and its metabolically active compounds

• Mainitenance of Cellular Organization

• Energy Transformation and• Enzyme Action

FUNCTIONS OF MICRONUTRIENTS

1.They may be essential for life and growth2.They may serve as substitutes in part for other plant nutrients

3.They may help to form enzymes or vitamins4.They may antidote one another5.One element may aid in keeping another reduced or oxidized

6.They may increase resistance to diseases7.The addition of or presence of one element may precipitate others

PHOTOSYNTHESIS• CO2+ H2O_light_____ CH2O + H2O +O2 chlorophyll

Carbon in CO2 is partially released from the group of 2 Oxygen

This uncoupling is done by H released from H20 through Energy provided by sunlight.

H then combines with C to form Carbohydrates( sugars and starch)

PHOTOSYNTHESIS contd•Numerous rexns, including enzymes, activators, co-factors,hydrogen acceptors, and donors are involved in this life-giving process with in the green leaf.

•Any nutrient deficiency can sharply curtail the efficiency of this processa nd thus reduce sugar and starch production

SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS• Green Manures• Organic Manures• Commercial Fertilizers( organic/inorganic)

• Plant and animal residues• Soil ammendments• Pesticides • Agrichemicals other than Fertilizer• Rain Water

SOURCES….Essentiality of plant nutrients

1. The plant m ust be unable to grow norm ally or com plete its life cycle in absence of the elem ent.

2. The elem ent is specific and cannot be replaced by another .

3. The elem ent plays direct role in m etabolism .

Sources of plant nutrients


1.Green M anures

SOURCES….

2.Organic M anures


Composts preparation 3.0 Com posts preparation

•Farm com post

Fig: Cow dung 39

Cow dung

Nutrients Fresh Cow dung Treated dried cow dung

N (%) 0.5 2.0

P2O5 (%) 0.3 1.5

K2O (%) 0.5 2.2

Ca (%) 0.3 2.9

Mg (%) 0.1 0.7

OM %) 16.7 69.9

MC (%) 81.3 7.9

40


. Sources of plant nutrients

4.Plant and anim al residues

SOURCES5.0 Bio-fertilizeragents

1. Azolla 2. R hizospirillum

R hizospirillum

VERMICOMPOST

Com posts preparation

• Verm icom post

In applying Manure the following principle should be kept in mind.

Fresh animal manure should not be applied to standing crops, because the heat and CO2 generated during vigorous decomposition is harmful for the young roots.

Animal manure should be stored in pits preferably under a roof.

45

Management of soil organic matter: Soil organic matter is constantly undergoing changes and needs to be replenished continuously to maintain soil productivity.

The major sources of soil organic matter include

Animal manure Crop residues Household and farmyard wastes Municipal sewage sludge Industrial refuse Green manuring etc.

46

COMPOSTS• A mass of rotted organic matter from waste is called compost.

The compost made from farm waste like sugarcane trash, paddy straw, weeds and other plants and other wastes is called farm compost. Average nutrient contents of farm compost: N- 0.50%, P2O5-0.15%,K2O-0.50%.

Farm compost is made by placing farm wastes in trenches of suitable size, say, 4.5m to 5.0 m long; 1.5 to 2.0 m wide; and 1.0m to 2.0 m deep. Farm wastes are placed in trenches layer by layer. Each layer is well moistened by sprinkling cowdung slurry or water. Trenches are filled up to a height of 0.5 m above the ground. Composts are ready for application with in 5 to 6 months.

Vermicompost. Compost that is prepared with the help of earthworms is called vermicompost. Vermicompost is made in small pits of suitable size, say, 2mx1mx0.5m in a shady area in the farm. Farm wastes are added in layers and soil is added in each layer. Earth worms are released in each layer and water is applied. Compost is ready within 2-3 months. Vermicompost is rich mixure of major and minor plant nutrients.

On average vermicmpost contains: 3.0% N; 1% P and 1.5% K

COMPOSTING….3• A Balancing Act (Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratios)

All organic matter is made up of substantial amounts of carbon (C) combined with lesser amounts of nitrogen (N). The balance of these two elements in an organism is called the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio). For best performance, the compost pile, or more to the point the composting microorganisms, require the correct proportion of carbon for energy and nitrogen for protein production. Scientists (yes, there are compost scientists) have determined that the fastest way to produce fertile, sweet-smelling compost is to maintain a C:N ratio somewhere around 25 to 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen, or 25-30:1. If the C:N ratio is too high (excess carbon), decomposition slows down. If the C:N ratio is too low (excess nitrogen) you will end up with a stinky pile.

COMPOSTS• The organic fertilizer that is produced by decomposing different waste materials of plant and animal origin is called compost.

• That are includes: Dead leaves, straw, weeds, household wastes, fruit and vegetable parts, after-meal wastessaw dust, wastes of factory,, rice husk etc.

COMPOSTING

COMPOSTING…3• Below are the average C:N ratios for some common organic

materials found in the compost bin. For our purposes, the materials containing high amounts of carbon are considered "browns," and materials containing high amounts of nitrogen are considered "greens."

• Estimated Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratios• Browns = High CarbonC:N• Ashes, wood25:1• Cardboard, shredded350:1• Corn stalks75:1• Fruit waste35:1• Leaves60:1• Newspaper, shredded175:1• Peanut shells35:1• Pine needles80:1• Sawdust325:1• Straw75:1• Wood chips400:1

COMPOSTING…4• Greens = High Nitrogen C:N• Alfalfa12:1• Clover23:1• Coffee grounds20:1• Food waste20:1• Garden waste30:1• Grass clippings20:1• Hay25:1• Manures15:1• Seaweed19:1• Vegetable scraps25:1• Weeds30:1

Animal manure

It includes the excreta (dung and urine)

of the domestic animals. Stubbles used

as bedding of animals also becomepart of the manure. In Bangladesh,cowdung is the most important animalmanure.

53

A rain shaft at the base of a thunderstorm

RAIN WATER• Rain is liquid precipitation, as opposed to non-

liquid kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. Rain requires the presence of a thick layer of the atmosphere to have temperatures above the melting point of water near and above the Earth's surface. On Earth, it is the condensation of atmospheric water vapor into drops of water heavy enough to fall, often making it to the surface. Two processes, possibly acting together, can lead to air becoming saturated leading to rainfall: cooling the air or adding water vapor to the air. Virga is precipitation that begins falling to the earth but evaporates before reaching the surface; it is one of the ways air can become saturated. Precipitation forms via collision with other rain drops or ice crystals within a cloud. Rain drops range in size from oblate, pancake-like shapes for larger drops, to small spheres for smaller drops.

RAIN WATER• The movement of the monsoon trough, or intertropical convergence zone, brings rainy seasons to savannah climes. Rain is the primary source of freshwater for most areas of the world, providing suitable conditions for diverse ecosystems, as well as water for hydroelectric power plants and crop irrigation. Rainfall is measured through the use of rain gauges. Rainfall amounts are estimated actively by weather radar and passively by weather satellites.

RAIN RATER

Rain Water(mg/L) Sample: 51

Chloride 0.12 51

Sulphate 5.88 49

Nitrate 8.16 43

Nitrite 0.15 5

Phosphate 1.14 7

Flouride and Bromides

Not present

pH 5.5-7.1 +- 1.3

Tajmahal of Agra

Oxygen isotope Trace

pH of RAIN WATER• The Indian government commissioned a study to determine the severity of the threat posed to the Taj Mahal by the air pollution caused by expanding industries. A mean pH of 7.01 ± 1.03 was observed during their test period 1988, 1991-1996 which is well above the observed pH of 5.6 for rainwater. A strong presence of such pH neutralizing cations such as Ca +2, Mg+2, and NH+4 was the cause for such high pH values. This study gives us a base on which we can make possible hypothesis to why the pH of some samples may be well above 5.6.

FERTILIZERSFertilizers are one of the most important factors for production of any crop. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has estimated that proper management of fertilizer is responsible for increasing crop productivity by about 50 percent( FAO ). Balanced fertilization means application of all of the essential plant nutrients-- particularly the primary nutrients such as N, P and K in optimum quantity through correct method and time of application in right proportion.

INORGANIC FERTILIZER


3.Com m ercial Fertilizers

Fig: Urea Fertilizer

62

TSP a)Chemical formula : Ca(H2PO4)2.

H2O b)Color : Grey brown colorc)Form/State : Pellet Ted or

sometimes powderd)P2O5% : 44-48, 20% (P)e)Maximum moisture content by wt.:

12%

63

Fig: TSP Fertilizer 64




12%

65

Fig: MoP Fertilizer 66

Fig: Gypsum Fertilizer 67

Gypsum:a)Chemical Formula : CaSO4·2H2Ob)Color : Colorless to white

c)Form/state : Pearly, fibrous masses

d)Specific gravity : 2.31–2.33

e)Solubility : Hot, dilute HCl

f)Calcium (Ca)% : 23.28g)Sulfur (S)% : 18.62

68

Borax:Boron: 20% Chemical formula: Na2B4O7·5H2OSodium Tetraborate Pentahydrate

Fig: Borax Fertilizer

69

ZnChemical formula: ZnSO4

Fig: Zinc Fertilizer 70

Fertilizers are one of the most important factors for production of any crop. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has estimated that proper management of fertilizer is responsible for increasing crop productivity by about 50 percent( FAO ). Balanced fertilization means application of all of the essential plant nutrients-- particularly the primary nutrients such as N, P and K in optimum quantity through correct method and time of application in right proportion.

Fertilizers Used :Urea: a)Chemical formula : CO (NH2)2

b)Color : Whitec)Form/state : Granular, Crystalline

d)Nitrogen content (%) : 46.6e)Specific gravity : 1.335f)Melting Point : 132.7°Cg)Solubility : Easily soluble in water.

71

Fig: Urea Fertilizer 72




12%

73

Fig: TSP Fertilizer 74

MoP a)Chemical Formula : KCl b)Color : Refined red or grayish red

c)Form/State : Coarse of fine saltd)K2O% : 60%, 50% (K)e)Max. moisture content by wt. :0.5%

75

Fig: MoP Fertilizer 76

Gypsum:a)Chemical Formula : CaSO4·2H2Ob)Color : Colorless to white

c)Form/state : Pearly, fibrous masses

d)Specific gravity : 2.31–2.33

e)Solubility : Hot, dilute HCl

f)Calcium (Ca)% : 23.28g)Sulfur (S)% : 18.62

77

Fig: Gypsum Fertilizer 78

Borax:Boron: 20% Chemical formula: Na2B4O7·5H2OSodium Tetraborate Pentahydrate

Fig: Borax Fertilizer79

ZnChemical formula: ZnSO4

Fig: Zine Fertilizer80

Cow dung:

Nutrients Fresh Cow dung Treated dried cow dung

N (%) 0.5 2.0

P2O5 (%) 0.3 1.5

K2O (%) 0.5 2.2

Ca (%) 0.3 2.9

Mg (%) 0.1 0.7

OM %) 16.7 69.9

MC (%) 81.3 7.9

81

Fig: Cow dung 82

Chapter-3Fertilizer Management:An appropriate method of fertilizer application is very important. There are three methods of fertilizer application: Broadcast: Broadcast method is most commonly used in field crops. Localized method: Localized method is widely followed in horticultural crops.Foliar spray: Little amount nutrients are applied spray method.

Balanced use of fertilizer should aim at: Increasing crop yieldsIncreasing crop qualityIncreasing farm incomeCorrection of inherent soil nutrientDeficienciesImproving soil fertilityAvoiding damage to the environmentRestoring fertility and productivity of land

In applying inorganic fertilizers, the following principles should be kept in mind.

Fertilizers should not be applied too close to seeds, young roots and stems of herbaceous plants.

Fertilizers should not fall on leaves when they are young and wet.

Fertilizers should be mixed with the soil thoroughly as much as possible.

85

Urea should not be applied on high standing water.

Zinc and phosphate fertilizers should not be applied together.

Organic manure/ fertilizers should be applied at least 15-20 days before sowing/planting and mixed thoroughly with the soil

Foliar spray is good for trace elements, particularly for horticultural crops. 86

In applying Manure the following principle should be kept in mind.

Fresh animal manure should not be applied to standing crops, because the heat and CO2 generated during vigorous decomposition is harmful for the young roots.

Animal manure should be stored in pits preferably under a roof.

87

In order to increase the efficiency of fertilizers, the following general guidelines need to be followed.

During Rabi season, if there is no facility for irrigation, the full dose of urea should be applied and mixed with the soil during final land preparation.

If irrigation facility exists during rabi season, urea should be applied in three splits: basal (during final land preparation), rapid vegetative growth stage, and 5-7 days before primordial initiation. 88

For most species, urea application may be made in 2-3 splits.

The benefit of top-dressed urea application is best realized when the fertilizer is applied in late afternoon to the moist or just saturated soil and mixed thoroughly with the soil except at panicle initiation stage.

The method of application of fertilizer to an intercrop is the same as practiced for the particular sole crop. 89

Fertilizer management in Saline soils:• Saline soils have a high content of soluble salts. The EC value of saturated extract is more than 4 ds/m at 25 C, ESP value is less than 15 and the pH value is below 8.5. It is also called white alkali soils.

• The soluble salts are mostly chlorides and sulphates of Na, Ca and Mg.

• Soil salinity develops in various ways: continuous accumulation of salts from tidal flooding, upstream withdrawal of the Ganges water, cyclone and tidal charges, shrimp cultivation and irrigation of saline groundwater.

90

Management of soil organic matter: Soil organic matter is constantly undergoing changes and needs to be replenished continuously to maintain soil productivity.

The major sources of soil organic matter include

Animal manure Crop residuesHousehold and farmyard wastesMunicipal sewage sludgeIndustrial refuseGreen manuring etc. 91

Animal manure: It includes the excreta (dung and urine) of the domestic animals. Stubbles used as bedding of animals also become part of the manure. In Bangladesh, cowdung is the most important animal manure.

92

CompostThe organic fertilizer that is produced by decomposing different waste materials of plant and animal origin is called compost.

That are includes: Dead leaves, straw, weeds, household wastes, fruit and vegetable parts, after-meal wastessaw dust, wastes of factory,, rice husk etc.

93

Green manureGreen manure refers to crops that are grown and ploughed down at the appropriate stage of growth that is called green leaf manure. Green manure adds substantial quantities of organic matter and nitrogen to soils.

The common GM plants includeDhaincha, cowpea, grass pea, soybean, mungbean, blackgram etc.

94

Chapter- 4Result and Discussion

Data were collected from the fields of 25 farmers for each crop on the following activities:

Method of land preparationMethod of sowingSelection of varietySeed rateFertilizers/manures usedMethod of fertilizer applicationIntercultural operations 95

Sesame:

Farmer Amount of fertilizers used by the farmers (kg/ha)

( Data collected from 5 randomly selected farmers)

Urea TSP MP Gypsum

Zn borax Cowdung

1 67.5 101.25

162 - 6.75 2.69 2700

2 64.80 113.40

81 32.39 3.23 - 2592

3 53 67.5 81 54 - 5.39 3240

4 40.5 94.5 108 67.5 2.69 2.69 3375

5 56.69 97.2 121.5 40.02 2.02 4.05 6480

Average

56.49 94.77 110.7 38.77 2.93 2.99 3677

96

Fertilizer Recommendation:

Soil Analysis

Interpretation

Fertilizer Recommendation (kg/ha)

Urea TSP MP Gypsum Zn borax Cowdung

Optimum 0-26 70-80 70-80 0-7 - - 3000

Medium 27-52 80-90 90-105 8-14 0.0-1.3 1-3 4000

Low 53-78 90-100 105-115

100-110

1.4-2.6 4-6 5000

Very low 79-104 100-

120125-135 22-28 2.7-

4.0 7-9 6000Source: BARC Recommendation Guide -2009

97

Comparison between recommended dose and farmer’s dose in Sesame field 98

Sunflower:Farmer

Farmers used fertilizers (kg/ha)

Urea TSP MP Gypsum

Zn borax Cowdung

F1 155.5 97 78 - - 2.28 1716

F2 124.78

91.94 79 33 3.28 3.28 2627

F3 116 91 72 61 6 - 1944

F4 194 121 97 - 4.86 4.86 3159

F5 224.99

135 135 - 4.5 4.5 3600

Average

163.05

107.18

92.2 18.8 3.72 2.98 2609.299

Fertilizer Recommendation (Varity:Haisan 33, Kironi DS-1)

Soil Analysi

s Interpretation

Fertilizer Recommendation (kg/ha)

Urea TSP MP Gypsum Zn bora

x Cowdung

Optimum 120-130

80-100 60-80 30-40 - - 3000-

4000

Medium 140-150

100-120 80-90 50-60 1-2 0-

3.04000-5000

Low 160-170

120-140

90-100 60-70 4-6 4.0-

6.05000-6000

Very low

170-180

140-160

100-120 70-80 8-

107.0-9.0

6000-7000

Source: BARC Recommendation Guide -2009 100

Compare between recommended doses with farmers used dose of Sunflower field 101

Conclusion: Fertilizers are one of the most important factors for production of any crop. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has estimated that proper management of fertilizer is responsible for increasing crop productivity by about 50 percent( FAO ). Balanced fertilization means application of all of the essential plant nutrients-- particularly the primary nutrients such as N, P and K in optimum quantity through correct method and time of application in right proportion.

102

FERTILIZER FACTORIESFertilizer Factories of BangladeshFertilizer Factories of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Chem ical Industries Corporation has now Bangladesh Chem ical Industries Corporation has now has 6 operating Urea fertilizer plants. These are :has 6 operating Urea fertilizer plants. These are :

Natural Gas Fertilizer Factory (NGFF) at Natural Gas Fertilizer Factory (NGFF) at FenchufganjFenchufganj Urea Fertilizer Urea Fertilizer FertilizerFertilizerFactory at Factory at GhorashalGhorashal( UFFG) ( UFFG) PolashPolash Urea Fertilizer Factory at Urea Fertilizer Factory at GhorashalGhorashal(PUFF) (PUFF) ZiaZia Fertilizer Com pany Ltd ( ZFCL) at Fertilizer Com pany Ltd ( ZFCL) at AshuganjAshuganj ChittagongChittagong Urea Fertilizer Ltd ( ZFCL) at Urea Fertilizer Ltd ( ZFCL) at RangadiaRangadiaChittagongChittagong

Jam unaJam una Fertilizer Com pany Ltd (JFCL) at Fertilizer Com pany Ltd (JFCL) at Jam alpoorJam alpoor

NUTRIENTS CONC IN PLT & HUMAN BODY

ELEMENTS AVEPLT(%)

AVEHUM(%)

REL CONC (PLT)

EARTH(%)

H 06 10 60,000,000

O 45 65 30,000,000 46.6

C 45 19 30,000,000N 1.5 2.7 1,000,000K 1.0 400,000 2.6Ca 0.5 1.3 200,000 3.6

ELEMENTS ContdELE PLT HUM REL EAR

Mg 0.2 100,000 2.1P 0.2 1.0 30,000S 0.1 30,000Sub TOT

99.5 99 54.9

M I C R 0sCl 100pp

m3,00 1.9

NUT CONTDELE PLT HUM REL EAR

Fe 100 ppm 2,000 5.0B 20 ppm 2,000Mn 50 ppm 1,000Cu 6ppm 100Na 2.8

ELEMENTS contdELE PLT HUM REL EARTH

Mo 0.1ppm

1

Si 27.2Al 8.1Minors/Others

0.5% K,S,Cl Na,Mg, Fe, I < 1% for all

Cl, Na,Fe, Si, Al= 45

GT 100 100 99.9

COMPOSITION OF ATMOSPHERE(%)(Total height:1,600 km; 99% within 40 km)

GASES VOLUME WEIGHT

NITROGEN 78.088 75.527

OXYGEN 20.948 23.143

ARGON 0.930 1.283

CARBON DIOXIDE

0.033 0.045

Neon, helium,methane, krypton, nitrous oxide, hydrogen, ozon, xenon

TOT: 99.999 (Traces 0.001)

TOT:99.998(Traces:0.002)

FORMS OF NUTRIENT UPTAKE 1ESSENTIAL ELEMETSMAJOR/PRIMARY ELEMENTS

ELEMENT FORMS TAKEN

AT WT SOURCE

C CO2 12.01 AIR

H H+,HOH 1.01 AIR,H2O

O O+2,H2O,CO2, CO3

--, SO4

--

16.00 AIR

FORMS OF NUTRIENT UPTAKE -2MAJOR/PRIMARY ELEMENTS

ELEMENT FORMS TAKEN

AT WT SOURCE

N NO3-, NH4

+

NO2-

14.01 Soil, Atmospheric N : symbiotic bacteria, azofication, also from rain and snow

P H2PO4 –

HPO4-2

30.98 Soil

K K+ 39.10 Soil

FORMS OF NUTRIENT UPTAKE -3SECONDARY ELEMENTS

ELEMENT FORMS TAKEN AT WT SOURCE

Ca Ca ++40.08 Soil

Mg Mg ++24.32 Soil

S SO4=,

SO3--

32.01 Soil

FORMS OF NUTRIENT UPTAKE -4MICRONUTRIENTS

ELEMENT FORMS TAKEN

AT WT SOURCE

FeFe+2

Fe +3

55.85 Soil

MnMn++

54.94 Soil

ZnZn++

65.38 Soil

FORMS OF NUTRIENT UPTAKE -5MICRONUTRIENTS

Cu Cu+,Cu++ 63.54 Soil

BBO3 ----

B4O7=

10.82 Soil

MoMoO4=

95.95 Soil

ClCl-

35.46 Soil

FUNCTIONS of DIFFERENT ELEMENTS Special to Photosynthesis

ELEMENT FUNCTIONS Special Ref To PS

C Structural comp of

Carbohydrate,,Protein

and many other org

molecule4s.

Constitute Bulk of

the dry weight of the

plants

Utilizes CO2 from the air to form

Carbohydrates through ligft and Chrolophyll.

H Make up the bulk of the dry weights of the plant

Splitting of H20 to form a reduced e- acceptor, NADPH.

O Constitute bulk of the body to form organic comp ;Carbohydrates

O2 is evolved as a by-product in Hill Reaction


ELEMENT FUNCTIONS Special Ref To PS

N N in the form of Protein is present in protoplasm of every cell.Promotes vegetative growth and encourages good foliage and prodn of CarbohydratesIncreases CEC of plant roots

Present in the chlorophyll as a comp of photosynthetic pigment.Present in nucleotides,phosphates,alkaloids,enzymes,hormones and vitamins

P Stimulates root development, active tillering and recovery from adverse situation.Promotes earlier flowering and ripening. Component of Nucleic Acids.Important in conversion, storage,transfer,transport and utilization of energy in the plant.Concerned w/ Carbohydrates and Protein Metabolism

Phosphorus as an inorganic phosphate, an energy – rich phosphatic compd, and as coenzyme is directly involved in PS

K A co –factor for 40 or more enzymes. Favors tillering and increases size of grains. Increases P response.Increses tolerance to unfavorable conditions and diseases

K is involved in opening and closing of stomata that controls CO2diffusion into the green tissues a first stage in PS. Activates enzymes such as starch synthetase.


Ca Nessesary for formation of middle lamella of cells. Impt in the development of meristemetic tissues

A constituent of cementing material of plant cells.Maintains turgidity of cell wall

Mg A component of several essential enzymes. Aida uptake of P. Influences Carbohydrates, Proteins , Fat and Vitamins metabolism in plants.Essential for protein synthesis as astructural comp of ribosomes, and ribonucleic acids

Chlorophyll contains one atom of Mg in the center making about one tenth of total Mg in it.

S A constituent of aa cystine, cysteine, and methionine and plant hormones thiamine and biotin.Present in the oils of plants of mustard and onion families. Structure of protoplasm as a disulphate linkage(-s-s). Functioning of enzymes, enzyme activators, oxidation/reduction reactions

Helps in chlorophyll formation


Fe Several Oxidation-reduction rexnsProtein synthesis

Not a constituent of chlorophyll as such but esential for its formation.Present in cytoplasm,an e - carrier in PS

Mn An activator of several enzymes: oxidase, peroxidase, dehydrogenase, and decaroxylase

Structural part of chloroplast. Oxidation-reduction process. Chlorophyll synthesis

Zn Constituent of a number of enzymes and enzymatic rexns. N metabolism. Probable connection with AUXIN formation

Chlorophyll formation


Cu Comp of enzymes and regulator enzymatic activities.Electron carrier in enzymes w/c brings oxidation-reduction rexns.

Necessary part of plastocyanin, a cmpd forming part of photosynthetic e- transport system of polyphenolase and nitrate reductase

B A catalyst in plant system.Regulator in metabolism and nutrient uptake,sp Ca metabolism. Movement of sugars in plants. Enzymatic role in uptake of Ca.

Necessary in cell division

Mo N-fixation bacteria both symbiotic and non-symbiotic. Essential in NO3 reductase, xanthene oxidase

N metabolism

Cl Needed for the development of sugar beets,carrots, lettuce, barley, wheat, cotton and clovers

Stimulation of PS for one or rxnsin w/c H2O is split and O2 released

MOBILITY OF NUTRIENTS• Highly Mobile : N P K • Moderately Mobile : Zn • Less mobile : S Fe Mn Cu Mo Cl Mg

• Immobile: : Ca B

• ELEMETS NEEDED FOR PS C H O N P K Mg Zn S Fe Mn ClNon essential elements but significant for plant life: Al Se Na Si F Co I

LEVEL OF NUTRIENT CONC IN PLANT BODY ( Rice)

Element Critical Conc(%)

Deficiency/Toxicity

Plant Organ

N 2.5 D LeafP 0.1 D Leaf 1.0 T StrawK 1.0 D StrawCa 0.15 D StrawMg 0.10 D StrawS 0.10 D StrawSi 5 D StrawFe 70 ppm D Leaf

300 ppm T StrawZn 10 ppm D Straw

1500 ppm T Straw

LEVEL OF NUTRIENT CONC IN PLANT BODY ( Rice)

Element Critical Conc(%)

Deficiency/Toxicity

Plant Organ

Mn 20 ppm D Straw> 2500 ppm

T Straw

B 3.4 ppm D Straw100 ppm T Straw

Cu < 6 ppm D Straw30 Ppm T Straw

Al 300 ppm T Straw

NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF FERT(%)

FERT FORMULA N P2O5 K2O S Lime P2O5

Urea CO(NH2)2 45AmSulfate

(NH4)2SO4 20 27

Am Nit NH4NO3 34Am Pho NH4H2PO4 11 48Cal Cyand

CaCN2 22 22

Fertilizer

Formula N P2O5 K2O S Lime

TSP CaH4(PO4).H2O 48 1-2

12-16(ca)

DSP Ca(H2PO4)2,CaHPO4

32

SSP 18MP KCl 60 0.

11Cl(47%)

Sul Pot

K2SO4 48

Pot Nit

KNO3 12.96

44 0.29

Basic slg

(CaO)5P2O5,SiO2

18.5

NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF FERT/MANURES(%)

MANURES N P2O5 K2O S Lime

Cow dung 0.5 0.3 0.3FYM 0.7 0.5 1.0Litter 0.5 0.5 0.9Cow urine 0.9 0.2 0.3GM 0.6 0.15 0.7Compost 0.5 0.15 0.5


MANURES N P2O5 K2O S Lime

Gr nut cake 7.3 1.5 1.3Must Cake 5.2 1.8 1.3Teel cake 6.2 2.1 1.3Coconut cake 3.0 2.0 1.8Cotton seed cake

3.9 1.8 1.6

Castor cake 4.3 1.8 1.3Linseed cake 4.9 1.4 1.3


MANURES N P2O5 K2O Dkaka city Wastes

Town Compost

1.4 1.00 1.4 Total: 3656 t/dayColl: 2208t/dayDam: 1448t/day

Fish meal 4-10 3-9 0.3-1.5

Bone meal 3.5 23

Blood meal 11 1-2 1.0

Ash 6.0

GREEN MANURES DefinedThe practice of turning into the soil un decomposed green plant tissue is

referred to as green manuring. Material so added brings about a number of favorable effects and may aid materially in maintaining or raising the crop producing capacity of a soil.

There are four benefits from the use of green manures in a crop rotation: a. Organic matter additionb. Nitrogen addition ( from legumes) c. Nutrient conservationd. Ground covering( mulching) to prevent erosion

Plants suitable for green manuring. An ideal green manuring crop should be easily established and should grow

rapidly. It should produce an abundant growth of succulent tops and roots in a short time. GM crops should have the ability to grow on poor soils because these are the ones where the beneficial effects are most needed. These include sandy soils and fine textured soils having poor structural stability.

In regions where N fertilizers are quite costly and inaccessible, leguminous green manures are distinctly beneficial. The N supplied by these crops can be effectively utilized by the main crop which follow. In the humid tropics ( such as Bangladesh) where several crops a year can be grown, the use of green manures should be encouraged.

GREEN MANURES contdCROP Scientific

nameAge DM(

t/ha)

N (Kg/ha)

Dhaincha Sesbania aculeata 60 days 23.2 133

Sunhemp Crotalaria juncea 60 30.6 134

Cow pea Papillionaceae spp 60 23.2 74

Pillipesara 60 25.0 102

Cluster bean 50 3.2 91

Sesbania rostrata

50 5.0 96

Green manureGreen manure refers to crops that are grown and ploughed down at the appropriate stage of growth that is called green leaf manure. Green manure adds substantial quantities of organic matter and nitrogen to soils.

The common GM plants includeDhaincha, cowpea, grass pea, soybean, mungbean, blackgram etc.

129

NUITRIENT CONTENTS OF SELECT GM CROPS(%)

Plant Scientific name

N P2O5 K20

Sunhemp Crotalaria juncea 2.30 0.50 1.80Dhaincha Sesbania aculeata 3.50 0.60 1.20Sesbania Sesbania speciosa 2.71 0.53 2.21Neem (leaf)

Azadiracta indica 2.83 0.28 0.35Gulmohur(leaf)

Delonix regia 2.76 0.46 0.50Water hyacinth

Echhornia crassipes 3.01 0.91 0.15

BIOFERTILIZERS• Atmosphere contains 78% N and 0.03 % CO2 .Plants are capable to

assimilate CO2 through photosynthesis even when CO2 is less, but most of the plants cannot fix atmospheric N even though it is abundant. Some microorganisms are capable of fixing N while some can increase the availability of N and P.

Agents of BiofertilizersSaprophytes( cellulolytic fungi wc breaks down plant cellulose): Aspergillus,

penicillium, Trichoderma. Accelerate process of natural decomposition and composting time 4to 6 weeks.

Symbiotic Bacteria: Bacteria belonging to genus Rhizobium are capable of fixing atmospheric N in association with leguminous crops. Rhizibium spp enter the roots of host plants and form nodules on the root surface.The bacteria depends on the host plant for carbohydrate and water while Rhizobium supplies N to the host. N fixed by the Rhizibium is translocated through the xylem vessel of the host plant mainly in the form of aspergine and to some extent as gluatamine. Rhizobium spp suitable for different crops are multiplied on a peat base in laboratories . The inoculum can be applied in three ways: Seed treatment, Soil treatment and Soil Application. Of the three seed treatment is the best.

Biofertilizer Contd --3• Seed treatment: Required quantity of jaggery is boiled in water and cooled. Rhizobium inoculum ( 1.5kg/ha) is mixed in the jaggery solution and sprinkled in over the seeds.Then the seeds are thoroughly mixed to spread the inoculum over the entire surface of the seeds. Seeds are then shade dried.

BIOFERTILIZER condAGENTs

• Free living organism: Blue green Algae(BGA), Azolla, Azotobactor and Rhizospirillum. BGA and Azolla can survive in lowland condition.

• BGA ( Anabaena and Nostoc) can fix 15 to 45 Kg N /ha.Standing water of 2 to 10 cm is prerequisite for BGA growth.

Azolla is a free floating fresh water fern. Azolla pinnata can fix 30-40 KgN /ha ( due to the presence of anabaena in the lobes of azolla spp). It grows well in monsoon season.

Azotobactor and Azospirillum: Azotobactor chroccum is capable of fixing 20 to 30 Kg N /ha. It can be applied by seed inocculation, seedling dip or by siol application.Application of 5t/ha FYM helps in better growth of azolla. Azotobactor can be used for rice, cotton and sugarcane. Azospirillum inoculum is used for sorghum.

Mycorrhiza and Phospho-micro Organisms: Phosphorus availability and fertilizer use efficiency can be increased with mycorrhiza ,phosphate solibilizing bacteria and fungi. Mycorriza inhabits roots of several crops and solibilizes soil phophates.

RHIZOBIUM SPP SUITBLE FOR DIFFERENT CROPS

Rhzobium sp CropsR. leguminosarum Peas( Pisum),lathyrus,lentil

R.tripoli Berseem( Trifolium)

R. japonicum Soyabean ( Glycine)

Cowpea miscellany Cowpea, clusterbean, greengram, blackgram, sunhemp,ground nut, dhaincha,dalbergia,albizzia,indigofera,stylo

Separate group Bengal gram(Gram)

N- FIXATIONThe term “fixation” refers to the conversion of

molecular N2 to either highly oxidized form ( NO3

-) or a highly reduced state( NH3). In practice, the only important N-fixation and the known biological one is the reductive process.

6 ATP + N2 + 6 e-+ 6 H +→ 2NH3 + 6ADP + Pi

There are two processes of N fixation: a) Non-bilogical N fixation b) Biological Fixation

N-FIXATION…21.Non-bilogical N fixation

4500 C a) N2+ 3H2→→→→→→2 NH3 Δ = -24 Kcl ( Herber Process of Chemical fertilizer)

200 atm

b) N2 + O2 →→→→→→ 2NO→→→2 NO2 ( HOH→→HNO3 + NO) ( Electrical Discharge )

2. Biological N- Fixation

N2+ 6 electrons + 6 H+ →→→ 2 NH3

In contrast to chemical fixation ,biological fixation requires low temperature and pressure due to enzymatic activity:

25CN2+ H2 →→→→→→ 2 NH3

1 atm

N-FIXATION..3Biological N fixation is accomplished by either: a) Non-symbiotic microbesb) Symbiotic association of microbes with

higher plants

a) Non-symbiotic N fixationAerobic organism of soil: Azotobacter, soil

anaerobes ( such as clostridium spp); Photosynthetic bacteria: ( Rhodospirillium

rubrum)Algae( Blue green algae)

N-FIXATION….4a) Symbiotic association of microbes

with higher plants

The symbiotic system consists of bacteria ( Rhizobia) living in symbiosis with a number of the leguminaseae such as clover, alfalfa and soybeans. Legumes are NOT the only higher plants that can fix N symbiotically, but there are also 190 spp of shrubs and trees including Sierra Sweet Bay,Ceanothus and Alder are N fixers.

Rhiz –Legume Asssn

N-FIXATION..4Symbiotic Association of N Hosts Interna/

ExternalFree living Organisms

1. Azolla Internal Anabaena azolla2. Gonera macrophylla

Internal Nostoc muscorium 3. Digetaria Azospirillum lepoferven

4.Corn External Azospirillum lepoferven

5. Alder External Frantia alvii

6.Clover ( Legume) Internal Rhizobium trifoloria

7. Soybean ( Legume)

Internal Rhizobium

N-FIXATION..5Mechanism of N Fixationa) An Electron donor (Fe-S-Protein: ferredixin and

flavodoxin)b) An Electron Acceptor( N gas)c) ATP with divalent Cations such as Mg+2 ( acts as rechargable

battery: large amount of carbohydrate) d) Two protein compoundsi) Molybdoferredoxin( non-iron protein) andii) Azoferredoxin ( Iron protein)

In order for N fixation to occur, large amount of pyruvic acid

is needed. Presence of a carrier that can carry NH4 to Glutamine is essential.

N-FIXATION..6Mechanism of N Fixation—21. N2 is fixed by the combined action of a hydrogen donor

system (HDS) and2. A Nitrogen Activation System ( NAD)3. The HDS has hydrogenase enzyme ( 2H + 2 e-→H2) and NAS has Nitrogenase enzyme which catalyzes reduction of N2( N2+ 3 H2 →2 NH3) 4. The fixation of N is energy dependent to ATP under

anaerobic condition , NADPH2 is the H+ donor and under aerobic condition, NADPH2 is the reductant.

5. Ferredoxin is not involved under anaerobic condition. Under aerobic condiction ATP is made available through the oxidative phosphorylation via cytochromes.

6. The first product of N fixation is NH3. Upto this, the mechanism is similar in both symbiotic and non-symbiotic constituents.

NADPH: reduced Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate

COMPOSTS• A mass of rotted organic matter from waste is called compost.

The compost made from farm waste like sugarcane trash, paddy straw, weeds and other plants and other wastes is called farm compost. Average nutrient contents of farm compost: N- 0.50%, P2O5-0.15%,K2O-0.50%.

Farm compost is made by placing farm wastes in trenches of suitable size, say, 4.5m to 5.0 m long; 1.5 to 2.0 m wide; and 1.0m to 2.0 m deep. Farm wastes are placed in trenches layer by layer. Each layer is well moistened by sprinkling cowdung slurry or water. Trenches are filled up to a height of 0.5 m above the ground. Composts are ready for application with in 5 to 6 months.

Vermicompost. Compost that is prepared with the help of earthworms is called vermicompost. Vermicompost is made in small pits of suitable size, say, 2mx1mx0.5m in a shady area in the farm. Farm wastes are added in layers and soil is added in each layer. Earth worms are released in each layer and water is applied. Compost is ready within 2-3 months. Vermicompost is rich mixure of major and minor plant nutrients.

On average vermicmpost contains: 3.0% N; 1% P and 1.5% K

MANUFACTURING FERTILIZERSThe Fertilizer ElementNow we learned that there are at least 14 elements that plants obtain from the soil. Two of these, Ca nd Mg are applied as lime, where needed. Sulfur is present in several commercial fertilizers. This leaves three elements other than the micronutrients—N P and K. And since they are so commonly applied in commercial fertilizers, they are often referred to as the fertilizer elements.

FERTILIZER GROUPS• Nitrogen Fertilizers: Organic (Cotton seed meal, fish meal etc) and Inorganic( Urea, Sodium nitrate, Amm sulfate,Amm nitrate, Calcium cyanamid etc)

• Phosphorus Fertilizers: (TSP/DSP/SSP; Basic slag, Amm phosphate etc)

• Potassium Fertilizers: Muriate of Potash( KCl), Potassium sulfate, Potassium nitrate etc)

FERTILIZER GROUPSContd

• Mixed Fertilizer. Fertilizer manufacturers have placed on the market mixures of materials which contain at least two of the “fertilizer element” and usually all three. Materials such as those discussed in previous sections are mixed in proper proportion to furnish the desired amount of the nutrient elements.

• Blending of Fertilizer. Blending of fertilizer has become common for ease of bulk handling. Fertilizer materials commonly used in blending process are: urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphates, triple superphosphate, and potassium chloride.

• Liquid fertilizer. Another innivation in the formulating and handling of mixed fertilizer is the use of liquid fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers have the advantage of low labor cost as with bulk blending. However, the cost of per unit element may be high.

• Liming. Liming is the addition to the soil of any Ca or Ca and Mg containing compound that is capable of reducing acidity of the soil. Liming is essential to increase productivity of the acid soils. Roughly, 1.6t/ha CaCO3 is required for a soil containing a pH of 6.8.

PRDUCTION Of SYNTHETIC FERTILIZERSNITROGEN

Rationale. The atmosphere is appr 78 % N and 21% O2 .There are about 36,000 tons of N over each acre( 88,920 t/ha) of land and water. However, except legumes other crops benefit little from this supply. Only about 3.4 kg/ha N is added by precipitation. The free-living organisms fix only 16.8 to 50.4 Kg N /ha /year. Organic matter in the soil decomposes @ 1 to 2 percent a year making 22.4 to 44.8 Kg N/ha available for plant use. The supply from organism, organic matter and precipitation is subject to change, usually downward. Thus, all three sources of N ( say, 69 Kg N/ha ) would fall short of nearly 54 Kg N/ha ( about 50%) and 137 Kg N/ha( nearly 66%) requirement of a rice crop which removes 123.5 Kg N /ha yielding 7.9 t/ha and 206 kg yielding even higher( 12.68 t/ha), respectively.

Further, the amount fixed in the soil ( azofication) is about the same as the amount lost to the atmosphere by volatilization. For practical purpose azofication and volatilization balance each other. Thus, the only practical solution is to convert the Nitrogen in the air to a form that will remain stable long enough to benefit higher plants. Here comes the concept of

Synthetic fertilizers.• Inorganic N carriers have at least one thing in common: they can

all be produced synthetically starting with atmospheric Nitrogen.

METHOD OF FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING

Ammonia production is the first step in the manufacture of most nitrogen fertilizer.

• Air, Water and Natural Gas are piped into two ammonia plants where ammonia is produced. CO2 is a by-product

• The ammonia and carbon dioxide can be pumped together in a reactor at 3,000 psi ( 204 atm) and 365 0 F ( 1850 C) to form UREA liquor

• The Urea liquor can be formed into UREA crystals that are used as fertilizers, and in the manufacture of glues, paints, varnishes plastics and livestock feed

• The ammonia can be sent on to the NITRIC ACID plant where additional air is mixed with it at a ratio of nine parts of air to one part of ammonia. When this mixture is passed over Platinum, it gives off NITRIC ACID.

• The HNO3 is then combined with additional ammonia to form 84 percent Amm Nitrate liquor. The Amm Nitrate liquor is then sent on to (A) storage tank (B) solids plants or

( C) Solution plants

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING

• The Synthesis of ammonia all of the N comes from the AIR. H is derived from the Water, Naphtha,Natural Gas, Coal, or Oil.The original Haber –Bosch process is the basis of all the various processes. It consists subjecting a mixure of N and H to high pressure in the presence of an appropriate catalyst.

N + 3H2 = 2 NH3The reaction is exothermic yielding 11.0 kcal per mole of

NH3.An iron is used as a catalyst. Ammonia synthesis is carried out at a Temperature of 500 C( 932F) at an operating pressure of 2940 to 14,700 psi( 200 to 1000 atm) .

Along with rock phosphate, Potash salts and Sulfur, Ammonia is a basic raw material of the Fertilizer Industry. It ,or its derivatives , is found in all nitrigen bearing fertilizer.

MANUFACTURING FERTILIZER UREAUrea is a product that is suitable for manufacture by a Ammonia Plant.

The needed raw materials ,CO2 and NH3 are available in an ammonia plant as may be noted by the following basic reactions that take place in ammonia synthesis:

H20 + C= CO+ H2OCO + 2H2O= H2CO3 + H2

H2CO3=H2O+ CO2

3H2+ N2= 2NH3

This reaction is extremely important since it yields a compound which is at the present time the least expensive per unit of N of all synthetic products.

Amm carbamate is formed by combining pure ammonia with pure carbon dioxide gas at 5000 psi (340atm) It loses a molecule of water and is thus converted into urea:

2NH3+ CO2= NH2COONH4

NH2COONH4= Co(NH2)2 + H2O

N x 6.25= Protein ( Urea for feed ingredient)

INORGANIC NITROGEN CARRIERSFertlizer Chemical

formSource N %

Anhydrous Ammonia Liquid NH3 Synthetic 82

Urea CO(NH2)2 Synthetic 42-45

Amm nitrate NH4NO3 Synthetic 33

Amm Sulfate (NH4)2 SO4 By-product from coke and gas and also synthetic

21

Diammonium phosphate

(NH4)2HPO4 Synthetic 21 (53%P2O5)

Sodium Nitrate NaNO3 Chile saltpeter,syntheric

16

Ammonium phosphate NH4H2PO4 Synthetic 11( 48%P2O5)

UREA FERTILZER

Chemical characteristics of Urea.• Urea is soluble in water to the extent of 50% by weight of the solution.

• It is identical to the urea found in animal urine

• Urease enzyme is less active in cold weather than it is at 27-29 0 C

• For most efficient use, urea should be incorporated into the to avoid loss by evaporation.

Fertilizer – A Big Bother for Bangladesh

Fertilizer Status in Bangladesh

• One of major challenge for the present government of Bangladesh is to arrange all agricultural inputs to the farmers at affordable cost to help grow required food grains to achieve food autarky which Bangladesh also achieved during the Awami League Government of 1996-2001. Of these most important one is the supply of fertilizer. The new Government has already reduced the price of non urea fertilizer significantly. It has plan to import urea fertilizers to cover the deficit of the combined demands of the fertilizer plants in Bangladesh. But the matter to bother is that, the government has to cater for a subsidy amounting to 6 thousand crore taka to comfort fertilizer supply alone. It is true that food supply is one of main responsibility of the Government. But the money to be dedicated for fertilizer subsidy is considered enough to set up 4 new fertilizer plants in Bangladesh. With natural gas production and supply in crisis government can not proceed with plans for setting up new fertilizer plans at this stage until the gas issues are effectively taken care of.

Fertilizer Factories of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation has now has

6 operating Urea fertilizer plants. These are :• Natural Gas Fertilizer Factory (NGFF) at Fenchufganj

• Urea Fertilizer Fertilizer Factory at Ghorashal ( UFFG)

• Polash Urea Fertilizer Factory at Ghorashal (PUFF)

• Zia Fertilizer Company Ltd ( ZFCL) at Ashuganj • Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Ltd ( ZFCL) at Rangadia Chittagong

• Jamuna Fertilizer Company Ltd (JFCL) at Jamalpoor

PRODUCTION and USE OF FERTILIZERS

BANGLADESH (000 MT)FERTILIZER

1990-00

2006-07

2007-08

2008-9

Production(Urea)

1904 1982 1582 1347

USES

Urea 2151 2515 2685 2400

TSP 259 340 380 200

DAP 109 115 240 50

PRODUCTION and USE FERTILIZERS BANGLADESH (000MT) Contd

FERTILIZER

1990-00 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

MOP 239 230 380 150SSP 237 122 100 20NPKS 0 125 100 50AS 26 6 0 0Zn 1.2 26 45 30GYP 189 72 160 100TOTAL 3213 3515 4090 3000

PHOSPHATIC FERTILIZERThe principal phosphorus fertilizer material at the present time

is superphosphate.The ordinary grade superphosphate containingP2O5 ( 7-9 % P) are made by treating raw rock phosphate with

suitable amounts of Sulfuric Acid. A large proportion of the P is thus changed to the primary phosphate form ( Ca( H2PO4)2),although some is left in the secondary condition( Ca H PO4).

Ca3(PO4 ) 2+2 H2SO4= Ca(H2PO4)2 + 2 Ca SO4 + impurities ( Insoluble) ( Water soluble)The acid is never added in amounts capable of completing this

reaction. Consequently, some secondary phosphate –CaHPO4, referred to as citrate soluble phosphoric acid is produced.

Ca3( PO4) 2+ H2SO4 = 2 CaHSO4+ CaSO4 + impurities ( Insoluble)

PHOSPHORUS CARRIERSFertlizer Chemical

formP2O5(%) P( %)

Superphosphates

Ca(H2PO4)2

CaHPO4

16-50 7-22

Ammoniated superphosphate

NH4H2PO4

CaHPO4

Ca3(PO4)2

(NH4)2SO4

16-18 7-8

Ammonium phosphate

NH4H2 PO4 48( 11%N)

21

Ammonium polyphosphates

(NH4)4P2O7 and others

58-60 ( 12-15% N)

PHOSPHORUS CARRIERS ContdFertlizer Chemical

formP2O5(%) P( %)

Diammonium phosphate (NH4)2HPO4 46-53 20-23

Basic slag( iron ore by-product)

(CaO)5,P2O5,SiO2 15-25 7-11

Steamed Bone meal (Ca3PO4)2 23-30 10-13

Rock phosphate 25-30 11-13

Calcium metaphosphate Ca(PO3)2 62-63 27-28

Phosphoric acid H3PO4 54 24

Superphosphoric acid H3PO4 and H4P2O5 76 33

POTASSIC FERTILIZER

Potassium is mined from deep deposits on the earth, from old salt lakes and from the depths of the sea. Indeed, the Dead Sea is the site of K mining operation. Kainit and manure salts are the most common of the crude Potash sources. The KCl used as fertilizer comes mostly from underground deposits.

All Potash salts used as fertilizer are water soluble and are, therefore, rated as readily available. Unlike Nitrogen salts,most potassium fertilizers ,even if employed in large amounts, have little or no effect on the soil pH. Potassium fertilizer has significant role to play with the commercial scale production of potatoes and tobacco.

POTASSIC FERTILER MATERIALS

Fertilizer Chemical form

K20(%) K(%)

Potassium chloride

KCl 45-60 40-50

Potassium sulfate

K2SO4 48-50 40-42

Manure salts

KCl mostly 25-30 17-25

Kainit KCl mostly 12-16 10-13

Potassium Nitrate

KNO3 44( 13%N) 37

MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZERMain Sources

Element Main Source Nutrient (%)

Comments

Iron( Fe) Ferrous sulphateIron chelateIron frits

191422

Commonly used

Manganese(Mn) Manganese sulphate 41 Most popular

Zinc( Zn) Zinc sulphateZinc oxide(ZnO)

2678

Most commonly usedSeed treatment

Boron(B) BoraxBoron FritsBoric acid

11617

Boric acid as foliar spary

CopperMolybdenum

Copper sulphateAmm molybdate

21 Cu Sul most commonMo with NPKS

CROP RESPONSE to FERTILIZER NITROGEN

The Keystone of Protein • Nitrogen is present in all living matter as a constituent of protoplasm

and is ,therefore, essential to both plants and animals. The atmosphere is about 4/5th N by volume. N is odorless, tasteless and worthless to human beings until combined with other elements. N is not a constituent of most rocks and minerals. Therefore, as the organic reserves become depleted, N become limited for plant growth.

• Nitrogen is the key nutrient in Bangladesh agriculture. Most of the agricultural soils are critically deficient in N. Except few leguminous crops, all other crops respond dramatically to added N irrespective of soil types, growing seasons and cultivars used. Practically HYV crops need ample supply of N to express their yield potentials.

• In Bangladesh ,modern rice covers more than 55% of the total rice area and 76% produce of total rice, the average production remains around 2.5 t/ha which is far less than the potential of the modern rice( 5-7t/ha). Rest of the area under rainfed agriculture using local rice cultivars produces an average of 1.16t/ha. Average yield increase due to due to N varies from 30 to 75 %. In some cases, with out applied N modern rice showed complete failure while application of 100 kg N/ha along with other nutrients resulted in a very successful crop yielding 6-7 t/ha.

• There is an intimate relationship between soil moisture and N availability and utilization. Greatest benefit of applied N is obtained under irrigated condition. Over irrigation again reduces the efficiency of applied N due to leaching of N below root zone.

CROP RESPONSE to FERTILIZERPHOSPHORUS

The key to life • Phosphorus is required by all living organism and every cell. Plant and animal life cannot exist with out it. P has a vital role in the breakdown of carbohydrates and other foods produced by photosynthesis in the plant. P

• P is the second major plant nutrient. It becomes unavailable or fixed in the soil through a variety of ways. Next to Nitrogen, Phosphorus is required in good quantities for normal growth of crop yields. Application of 130 kg P2O5 in sugarcane gave significant increase in yield. In rice P should be applied @ 60kg P2O5/ha to every alternate crop of Boro-Fallow -T.Aman cropping pattern.

CROP RESPONSE to FERTILIZERPOTASSIUM

The Catalyst

• K may be thought of as “chemical policeman” keeping the flow of life’s chemistry moving. It influences cell division, photosynthesis , translocation of sugars, nitrate reductase for protein synthesis and enzyme activities. About 99% of the K in dried plant tissue can be removed by washing with rain water. K is a factor in the assimilation of Carbondioxide by plants.

• Potassium is the third major plant nutrient recently identified as deficient in most Bangladesh soils. One ton wheat /ha or 2 tons rice /ha can be obtained from msoils where K is not a limiting factor.

• Crop intensification with HYVs indicated wide spread deficiency of K in Bangladesh soils on tubers,root crops,sugarcane frit,fibre crops and cereals.

• It is generally accepted that tuber and root crops are K loving. A remarkable increase in potato yield was obtained by applying 120 kgK20/ha.

• In general, about 2-24 Kg K is required by a rice crop for each ton of rough rice when the straw grain ratio is one. At higher ratio, absorption of K per ton of rough rice would be much higher.

CROP RESPONSE to FERTILIZERSULPHUR

Essential for Protein• Sulphur is important in the plant’s synthesis of oils. Like

Nitrogen, Sulphur is a constituent of several amino acids, including methionine, cystine and cysteine which are essential components of plant and animal proteins. About 90 % of S in plants is found in these three amino acids.

• Sulphur has recently been identified as the fourth major nutrient limiting crop production in Bangladesh. A recent study concluded that 70-80% of Bangladesh soil is deficient in S. The problem is more severe in wetland rice than in upland crops because the anaerobic soil condition reduces sulphates to sulphides making S unavailable. The critical level of soil sulphur for upland crops have been detected as 14 ppm.

• Causes of S deficiency: The use of high analysis fertilizer such as urea, triple super phosphate, muriate of potash, diammonium phosphate etc has made it necessary to replace in many mixed fertilizer the superphosphate and amm sulphate with low sulphur materials. Cultivation of HYV, intensive cropping patterns and application of limited organic manures have all contributed to the intensification of S deficiency. Thus the automatic supply of S through fertilizers can no longer taken for granted. This element must be consciously added where deficiencies are apt to occur.

CROP RESPONSE to APPLICATION of Calcium and Magnesium

The backbone of tropical agriculture

The pH of Bangladesh soils generally ranges between 5.8 to 7.0. Thus most of Bangladesh soils have adequate Ca and Mg saturation on the exchange surface. Recent studies show that acid hill soils, terrrace soils and old Himalayan piedman soils are extremely low in exchangeable Ca and Mg.

Mg deficiency problems have been observed on potato, cotton, sugarcane and tea grown in these soils and added Mg brought about appreciable increase in yield. Although Ca is also inadequate in these soils, application of gypsum to supply P and S satisfactorily met Ca demand of the crops.

CROP RESPONSE to APPLICATION ofZinc Boron and other Micronutrients

for healthy plant growth

The importance of Zinc in crop nutrition has received considerable attention in recent years in Bangladesh. Zn deficiency is widespread in most calcarious and alkaline soils. The problem is more acute in wetland rice culture. Yield response of rice to Zn fertilization have been obtained where Zn contents of soils are below the critical level ( 20 ug/g).

Detection of Boron deficiency in Bangladesh agriculture is a recent phenomenon. Light textured soils of the country are more deficient in available Boron where leaching occurs. Boron content of major Bangladesh soils varies between 0.1and 1.9 ug/g. Application of B improves sterility problems in wheat, chickpea and mustard grown in the sandy soils of some North Bengal districts. Yields of cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, tomato and papaya increases significantly due to B fertilization.

Micronutrients like Fe, Mn, Cu Mo and Cl have attracted less attention in Bangladesh. Generally they are seldom needed to be applied in crop production in most soils. However, recently Cu and Mn application in calcareous soils have been found beneficial for higher yield of some field crops. Mo deficiency occurs in cabbage and groundnuts grown in acid soils. Cl deficiency has been detected in coconut and betel nut plants. Application of Muriate of Potash (KCl) rectifies Cl deficiency. Fe is the only micronutrient present in available form abundantly in Bangladesh soils.

FERTILIZER DOSES

Crop nutrient requirements are met by soils contribution and fertilizer application. The soil contribution is estimated by soil test. There are three major concepts for making fertilizer recommendations:

• Maintenance• Cation saturation and• Sufficiency levelSeveral approaches of fertilizer recommendation:• Blanket Recommendation : Recommended for low N soils in a

given situation• Response equation: Based on field experiments( curve fitting

etc)• DRIS Approach: Diagnosis Recommendation Integration

System( plant sample analysis)• Modelling Approach: Recommended for OM rich soils for

Nitrogenous fertilizer in temperate region.

EXAMPLES OF FERTILIZER DOSESResearch Results

Crop Variety

Soil type

Yieldt/ha

OMt/ha

UreaKg/ha

TSPKg/ha

MPKg/ha

Gypsum

Others

Rice BR 28Boro

Cl snd lm

5 5 220 120 85 60 ZnsO4: 10

Rice BR 29

do 7.5-8.5

5 270 130 120 70 10

Wheat

Kanchan

Sndy cl 3.5-

4.85-10 100

N60P

20K

20S

Jute Tossa Pat 3

Allv,lm slm

2.85-3.40

370 kg

170 50 60

Sugarcane

ISD27 Clm to lm

70 15-20 356 175-260

165-275

175-235

ZnS11-28

EXAMPLES OF FERTILIZER DOSESResearch Results

Crop Variety

Soil type

Yieldt/ha

OMt/ha

UreaKg/ha

TSPKg/ha

MPKg/ha

Gypsum

Others

Potato

Granola( BA 13)

Lm to slm

25-30 10c/d

220-250

120150

220250

100-120

Zns:8-10; Ba: 8-10

Potato

Hybrid TPS 11/67

Lm to Slm

45-50 10C/D

220-250

120150

220-250

100-120

Zns:8-10; Ba: 8-10

Tomato

Bahar Slm lm

66-70 10 326 222 250

Maize-Soybean

BARI Slm-clm

Maize2.5Soy1.5

10 100N

60P

80K

20S

4 Zn

Pulses Bina mong

Slm lm 1.1 25 50 30

Calculation of Fertilizer Dose

• Problem: Let the recommended fertilizer dose of low land rice be : 120,80,40 Kg N, P2O5 and K2O /ha respectively. Calculate the amount of fertilizer Urea, triple superphosphate and muriate of potash.

Calculation:Urea contains 46% NTo supply 46 Kg N/ha, 100 kg Urea is necessaryTo supply 120 Kg N/ha (100 x 46) / 46 = 260.9 Kg or 261 Kg urea is

required.Similarly, TSP contains 48% P2O5

To supply 48 Kg P2O5/ha, 100 Kg TSP is necessaryTo supply 80 Kg P2O5/ha/ha. ( 100x80)/48=166.66 Kg or 167 Kg TSP is

requiredMP requirement: ( 100x40)/58= 68.9 Kg/ha or 69 Kg/ha Formula: ( 100x fertilizer dose)/Nutrient content in the fertilizer

material

Fertilizer Management:An appropriate method of fertilizer application is very important. There are three methods of fertilizer application: Broadcast: Broadcast method is most commonly used in field crops. Localized method: Localized method is widely followed in horticultural crops.Foliar spray: Little amount nutrients are applied spray method.

Balanced use of fertilizer should aim at: Increasing crop yieldsIncreasing crop qualityIncreasing farm incomeCorrection of inherent soil nutrientDeficienciesImproving soil fertilityAvoiding damage to the environmentRestoring fertility and productivity of land

In applying inorganic fertilizers, the following principles should be kept in mind.

Fertilizers should not be applied too close to seeds, young roots and stems of herbaceous plants.

Fertilizers should not fall on leaves when they are young and wet.

Fertilizers should be mixed with the soil thoroughly as much as possible.

177

In order to increase the efficiency of fertilizers, the following general guidelines need to be followed.

During Rabi season, if there is no facility for irrigation, the full dose of urea should be applied and mixed with the soil during final land preparation.

If irrigation facility exists during rabi season, urea should be applied in three splits: basal (during final land preparation), rapid vegetative growth stage, and 5-7 days before primordial initiation.

178

Urea should not be applied on high standing water.

Zinc and phosphate fertilizers should not be applied together.

Organic manure/ fertilizers should be applied at least 15-20 days before sowing/planting and mixed thoroughly with the soil

Foliar spray is good for trace elements, particularly for horticultural crops.

179

For most species, urea application may be made in 2-3 splits.

The benefit of top-dressed urea application is best realized when the fertilizer is applied in late afternoon to the moist or just saturated soil and mixed thoroughly with the soil except at panicle initiation stage.

The method of application of fertilizer to an intercrop is the same as practiced for the particular sole crop.

180

Fertilizer management in Saline soils:• Saline soils have a high content of soluble salts. The EC value of saturated extract is more than 4 ds/m at 25 C, ESP value is less than 15 and the pH value is below 8.5. It is also called white alkali soils.

• The soluble salts are mostly chlorides and sulphates of Na, Ca and Mg.

• Soil salinity develops in various ways: continuous accumulation of salts from tidal flooding, upstream withdrawal of the Ganges water, cyclone and tidal charges, shrimp cultivation and irrigation of saline groundwater.

181

METHODS OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION

Three purposes of Fertilizer Application :• Easy availability of crop nutrients• Reduce fertilizer losses• Ease of applicationThree Factors influencing Method of application• Nature of soil( pH, CEC)• Nature of crop( root system, spacing, magnitude of fertilizer demand)

• Nature of fertilizer( physical form, solubility, mobility, mud-ball urea, pellets, briquettes of urea/USG/UMG, prills, powder, liquid fertilizer etc)

DIFFERENT METHODS OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION

Soil ApplicationBroadcasting. Application of fertilizer uniformly on the soil surface. Most common practice in

Bangladesh. Applied before or after sowing of the crop.Broadcasting and incorporation. Generally the ntire dose of phosphatic and potassium fertilizers

are applied by broadcasting before sowing . Bec pf their low mobility these fertilizers are incorporated into the rooting zone.

Band placement. Application of fertilizers in narrow bands beneath and by the side of the crop rows. This is effective when the crop needs an initial good start, soil fertility is low , losses are high due to volatilization and fixation.

For tap root crops( castor, cotton) fertilizer band can be 5 cm below the seed.For fibrous crops( cereals) it is advantageous to place fertilizers 5 cm away from the seed

row and 5 cm deeper than the seed placement.Point placement. Placement of fertilizers near the plant either in hole or in a depression

followed by closing or covering with soil.it is used for top dressing of N in widely spaced crops such as sugarcane, tobacco or placing USG/UMG into the mud in between the hills of rice plant.

Sub-soil placement. Placement of fertilizers in the subsoil with the help of high power machinery. Recommended for humid and subhumid regions with acidic subsiols.

Fertigation. Application of fertilizers with irrigation water.drip irrigation Plant ApplicationRoot dipping. Roots of the seedlings are dipped in nutrient solutions before transplanting. (eg

rice seedlings dipped in Phosphorus slurry before planting in P deficient soils)Foliar spray. Application of fertilizers to the foliage of the crop as spray solution.This method

is suitable for application of small quantities of fertilizers ,especially micronutrients. Precaution: Foliar application is not a substitute for soil application.

Methods Of Fertilizer Application

• In order to get maximum benefit from manures and fertilizers, they should not only be applied in proper time and in right manner but any other aspects should also be given careful consideration. Different soils react differently with fertilizer application. Similarly, the N, P, K requirements of different crops are different and even for a single a crop the nutrient requirements are not the same at different stages of growth. The aspects that require consideration in fertilizer application are listed below:

1. Availability of nutrients in manures and fertilizers.2. Nutrient requirements of crops at different stages of crop growth.3. Time of application.4. Methods of application, placement of fertilizers.5. Foliar application.

Methods Of Fertilizer Application 2

• 6. Crop response to fertilizers application and interaction of N, P, and K.7. Residual effect of manures and fertilizers.8. Crop response to different nutrient carrier.9. Unit cost of nutrients and economics of manuring.

• Fertilizers are applied by different methods mainly for 3 purposes:1. To make the nutrients easily available to crops,2. To reduce fertilizer losses and3. for ease of application.


• The time and method of fertilizer application vary in relation to1) The nature of fertilizer.2) Soil type and3) The differences in nutrient requirement and nature of field crops.

• Application of fertilizers in solid form: It includes the methods like (See chart):

• I) Broadcasting: Even and uniform spreading of manure or fertilizers by hand over the entire surface of field while cultivation or after the seed is sown in standing crop, termed as broad casting. Depending upon the time of fertilizer application, there are two types of broadcasting: A) Broadcasting at planting and B) Top dressing.


• A) Broadcasting at planting: Broadcasting of manure and fertilizers is done at planting or sowing of the crops with the following objectives:1) To distribute the fertilizer evenly and to incorporate it with part of, or throughout the plough layer and2) To apply larger quantities that can be safely applied at the time of planting/sowing with a seed-cum-fertilizer driller.

• It is adopted with the following condition: 1) When N-ous fertilizers like amm. Sulphate, Amm. Sulphate Nitrate, Concentrated organic manures, are to be applied to the soil deficient in N or where N is exhausted by previous crops like fodder, Jowar, F. maize.2) When citrate soluble P-tic fertilizers like basic slag and dia-calcium phosphate, are to be applied to moderately acid to strongly acid soils. 3) When K-ssic fertilizers like Muriate of potash and potassium sulphate are to be applied in potash deficient soil.


• B) Top dressing: Spreading or broadcasting of fertilizers in the standing crop (after emergence of crop) is known as top-dressing. Generally, NO3 – N fertilizers are top dressed to the closely spaced crops like wheat, paddy. E.g.: Sodium Nitrate, Amm. Nitrate and urea, so as to supply N in readily available from the growing plants. The term side dressing refers to the fertilizer placed beside the rows of a crop (widely spaced) like maize or cotton. Care must be taken in top dressing that the fertilizer is not applied when the leaves are wet or it may burn or scorch the leaves. The top dressing of P and K is ordinarily done only on pasture lands which occupy the land for several years.

4. As a labour and time saving device.


• In some countries, aero planes are used for fertilizer application in hill terrains where it is difficult to transport fertilizers and where large amount are to be applied because of severe deficiency and under following situations:1. Where very small quantities of fertilizers are needed over large areas. E.g.: Micro nutrients.2. When high analysis materials are applied.3. When fertilizer application may be combined with insect control or some other air operation and


• II) Placement: In this, the fertilizers are placed in the soil irrespective of the position of seed, seedling or growing plant before or after sowing of the crops. It includes:1. Plough sole placement: The fertilizer is placed in a continuous band on the bottom of the furrow during the process of ploughing. Each band is covered as the next furrow is turned. By this method, fertilizer is placed in moist soil where it can become more available to growing plants during dry seasons. It results in less fixation of P & K than that which occurs normally when fertilizers are broadcast over the entire soil surface.


2. Deep placement or sub-surface placement: In this method, fertilizers like Amm. Sulphate and Urea, is placed

in thereduction zone as in paddy fields, where it remains in ammonia formand is available to the crop during the active vegetative period. Itensures better distribution in the root zone, and prevents any loss

bysurface runoff. It is followed in different ways, depending upon

localcultivation practices such as:

i) Irrigated tracts: The fertilizer is applied under the plough furrow in the dry soil before flooding the land and making it ready for transplanting.ii) Less water condition: Fertilizer is broadcasted before puddling which places it deep into the reduction zone.


• iii) Sub – soil placement: This refers to the placement of fertilizers in the sub-soil with the help of heavy power machinery. It is followed in humid and sub-humid regions where many sub-soils are strongly acid, due to which the level of available plant nutrients is extremely low. P-tic and K-ssic fertilizers are applied by this method in these regions for better root development.

• III) Localized placement: It refers to the application of fertilizers into the soil close to the seed or plant. It is usually employed when relatively small quantities of fertilizers are to be applied. It includes methods like:


• Advantages:

• i) The roots of the young plant are assured of an adequate supply of nutrients,ii) Promotes a rapid early growth,iii) Make early Intercultivation possible for better weed control, iv) Reduces fixation of P & K.

1. Contact placement or combined drilling or drill placement: It refers to the drilling of seed and fertilizer together while sowing. It places the seed and small quantities of fertilizers in the same row. This is found useful in cereal crops, cotton and grasses but not for pulses and legumes. This may affect the germination of the seed, particularly in legumes due to excessive concentration of soluble salts.


• 2. Band placement: In this, fertilizer is placed in bands which may be continuous or discontinuous to the side of seedling, some distances away from it and either at level with the seed, above the seed level or below the seed level. There are two types of band placement: It includes hill and row placement.a. Hill placement: When the plants are spaced 3 ft. or more on both sides, fertilizers are placed close to the plant in bands son one or both sides of the plants. The length and depth of the band and its distance from plant varies with the crop and the amount of fertilizer as in cotton.b) Row placement: When the seeds or plants are sown close together in a row, the fertilizer is put in continuous band on one or both sides of the one or both sides of the row by hand or a seed drill. It is practiced for sugarcane, potato, maize, tobacco, cereals and vegetable crops.Higher rates of fertilizers are possible with row placement than hill placement. For applying small amount of fertilizers, hill placement is usually most effective.


• 3. Pellet application: In this method, fertilizer (N-ous fertilizers) is applied in the form of pellets 2.5 – 5.0 cm. deep between the rows of paddy crop. Fertilizer is mixed with soil in the ratio of 1:10 and make into dough. Small pellets of a convenient size are then made and deposited in the soft mud of paddy fields. It increases the efficiency of N-ous fertilizers.4. Side dressing: Fertilizers are spread in between the rows or around the plants. It includes i) application of N-ous fertilizers in between the rows by hand to broad row crops like maize, S.cane tobacco, cereals which is done to supply additional doses of N to the growing crop. ii) Application of mixed or straight fertilizer around the base of the fruit trees and done once, twice or thrice in a year depending upon age.

Fertilizer Deep Placement (USG/FDP)

SAVE TK 2500 cr/yr by Applying USG

Fertilizer Deep Placement (USG/FDP• Across Asia, millions of rice farmers depend on urea

fertilizer to meet the nitrogen needs of the continent’s primary crop – irrigated and rain-fed rice. Many farmers still spread urea into floodwaters to fertilize paddy plants. This is highly inefficient – about two-thirds of the fertilizer is lost as greenhouse gas or becomes a groundwater pollutant. Fertilizer deep placement (FDP) is a more efficient and environmentally responsible method of fertilization.

• Like most smallholder farmers in Asia and Africa, farmers in Bangladesh are resource-poor and risk-adverse. Technology introduction in such an environment often has a slow return to invested capital, a deterrent to major private sector investment. Over the past two decades, IFDC scientists have worked with the public sector (e.g., Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture and the Rice Research Institute) and the private sector (small private entrepreneurs) to develop FDP technology based upon urea supergranules (when used with urea fertilizer, FDP is called UDP – urea deep placement).

Fertilizer Deep Placement (USG/FDP

• UDP – a simple yet innovative technology – involves the placement of 1-3 grams of urea supergranules or briquettes at a 7-10 centimeters (cm) soil depth shortly after the paddy is transplanted. UDP increases nitrogen use efficiency because most of the urea nitrogen stays in the soil, close to the plant roots where it is absorbed more effectively. The benefits of the technology are significant – a 20 percent increase in crop yields and a 40 percent decrease in nitrogen losses.

• By 2008/09, the Bangladesh Department of Agricultural Extension (with IFDC assistance) spread UDP technology to 500,000 hectares (ha) of paddy fields, increasing production by 268,000 metric tons (mt) annually. Farmers using UDP had additional annual net returns of $188/ha. (Bangladesh’s average per capita annual income is about $500 (now over $1000)


• UDP use reduced Bangladesh’s urea import costs in 2008 by 50,000 mt, saving $22 million in fertilizer imports and $14 million in government subsidies. The additional rice has made 1.5 million more Bangladeshis food secure.

• The Government of Bangladesh began expanding UDP technology in 2009 to 2.9 million more farm families on 1.5 million ha. In 2011, rice production is expected to increase by almost one million mt, ensuring food security for an additional 4.2 million Bangladeshis.

• UDP technology not only improves farmers’ productivity and income, but the need for urea supergranules also creates employment opportunities. IFDC engineers developed a simple machine to mold urea into briquettes, and helped establish village-level businesses to manufacture and distribute the machines. Nearly 2,500 urea briquette machines are in use across Bangladesh. UDP technology is also successfully being used in Nepal and Vietnam.


• FDP trials have also been conducted in Afghanistan and India. In India, IFDC scientists examined the effect of deep placement of briquettes made of urea, diammonium phosphate and potassium chloride compared with broadcasting NPK (nitrogen, phosphate, potassium). Deep placement resulted in similar or higher grain yields obtained with 40 kg/ha less nitrogen used.

• All farmers seek gains in efficiency and productivity, but nowhere is the need greater than in Africa. FDP technology has been introduced and is being tested in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Togo.

INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Plant nutrients can be supplied from different sources viz. organic manures. crop residues, biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers. An integrated management is the best approach for better utilization of resources and to produce crops with less expenditure. Since chemical fertilizers are generally costly, it should be applied after the application of all possible sources nutrients as mentioned above. Application of organic matter in any form reduces the loss of Nitrogen and increases fertilizer use efficiency.Farm residues and crop residues also contribute a considerable amount of nutrient to the field.

By estimating the appropriate amount of nutrients added to the soil by all other sources, chemical fertilizer application can be reduced for a sustainable crop production systems.

END of F&M

BEAUTIFUL EARTH: SAVE IT

(4) PLANT NUT FER N MANURES( 2)

Documents