Phosphate Fertilization of Crops Part II-Major Millets, Cotton and Groundnut
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Author:U. S. SREE RAMULU
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:51, Issue:feb-feb
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.A03872
Abstract
Zea mays, is reported to remove 114 lb, N, 43 lb. P₂O, and 125 lb.
K.O per crop of 35 cwt. of grain and 60 cwt. of straw. Similar to wheat, application
of phosphatic fertilizers has been reported by almost all workers except Robinson
(1950) and Hunter and Yungon (1955) to increase the yields of corn in India and
abroad (Anon., 1949; Malavelta et al. 1953, Uangarderar, 1954; Sen and Kavitkarag,
1955; Genter et al. 1956, I. C. A. R., 1956 and Suarozda (Castro) and Rodrigues,
1958). To increase the yields further, Guttay and Steritzel (1957) tried presoaking
the seeds in phosphatic solutions or mixing the seeds with phosphatic fertilizers
and then sowing, and got beneficial results. Morsale (1957) tried three sprayings
at 4 day intervals with 2-5-5% super with 0.4% potash and got increased yields
and increased weight of grain. Scarseth (1950), Raheja et al. (1957), Robertson,
et al. (1958) and Prummel (1958) reported that either placement or drilling were
better than broadcasting while Baranov (1951) reported that broadcasting was as
effective as row application. Robertson, et al. (1958) pointed out that deep
placement of fertilizer was more effective in dry seasons than in wet seasons as the
crop could make efficient use of the limited amount of available moisture in dry
seasons due to extended root systems. Further, they have reported that in wet
seasons or seasons with well distributed rainfall, broadcasting was more
efficient and economical than placement. As rightly pointed out by them, the
effect of placement of fertilizers depends on various factors like soil moisture,
nature of fertilizers applied etc. Similarly, Glover (1953) and Corby (1957)
advocated application of fertilizers in single dose while Baranovski (1956) and
Sarishvite et al. (1956) advocated split dose application.
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