Fertilizer Management in Indian Agriculture: A Complete Guide

 Discover types of fertilizers, crop-based dosage, foliar vs soil application, over-fertilization risks, and micronutrient mixing for better farm yield.

Introduction: Why Fertilizer Management Matters

Fertilizers are the fuel for plants. Just like a balanced diet keeps humans healthy, proper fertilizer management ensures strong crops, high yields, and sustainable soil health. In India—where farming is deeply tied to food security—knowing what fertilizer to use, how much, and when, makes the difference between profit and loss.

This blog is a complete 5000-word guide for Indian farmers, covering:

• Types of fertilizers (chemical and organic)

• Crop-wise dosage

• Foliar spray vs soil application

• Risks of over-fertilization

• Combining fertilizers with micronutrients

Let’s grow smarter!

                                                                                

1. Types of Fertilizers (Urea, DAP, Organic)

A. Chemical Fertilizers

1. Urea (46% Nitrogen)

• Commonly used for leafy vegetables, paddy, wheat

• Promotes vegetative growth

• Cheap and water-soluble

Dosage: 40–60 kg/acre depending on crop

2. DAP – Di-Ammonium Phosphate (18% N, 46% P)

• Best for root development

• Used at early stages of planting

• Ideal for maize, pulses, oilseeds

Dosage: 20–30 kg/acre

3. MOP – Muriate of Potash (60% K)

• Boosts flower and fruit formation

• Increases resistance to drought/disease

Use: Potatoes, fruits, sugarcane, banana

B. Organic Fertilizers

1. Compost / FYM (Farmyard Manure)

• Slow-release nutrients

• Improves soil texture and microbes

2. Vermicompost

• High in micronutrients

• Used for vegetables, nurseries

3. Green Manure (Dhaincha, Sunhemp)

• Increases nitrogen naturally

• Ideal for fallow lands

4. Biofertilizers (Rhizobium, Azospirillum)

• Fix nitrogen from air into soil

• Cost-effective and sustainable

TypeNutrientCropsFrequency

UreaNitrogenPaddy, wheat, maize2–3 times

DAPP, NPulses, oilseedsAt sowing

MOPPotashPotato, banana, sugarcaneFlowering

CompostAllAll cropsOnce per cycle

VermiNPK+Veggies, flowers1–2/month

                                                                              

2. Dosage Based on Crop Type

Correct dosage is critical—too much harms the soil, too little hampers growth.

A. Paddy (Rice)

• Urea: 50 kg/acre (split in 3 doses)

• DAP: 25 kg/acre (basal dose)

• MOP: 20 kg/acre (at tillering)

B. Wheat

• Urea: 45 kg/acre

• DAP: 20 kg/acre

• Zinc Sulphate: 10 kg/acre

C. Vegetables (Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli)

• Urea: 30–35 kg/acre

• Compost: 2–3 tonnes/acre

• Micronutrient mix: Every 15 days

D. Sugarcane

• Urea: 70 kg/acre

• DAP: 40 kg/acre

• MOP: 40 kg/acre

• Biofertilizer (Azospirillum): 2 kg/acre

E. Pulses (Chickpea, Moong, Lentil)

• DAP: 20–25 kg/acre

• Rhizobium Culture: 500g/acre seed treatment

• Zinc, Boron (optional)

Always test soil before fertilizing. Nutrient needs vary based on pH, texture, and rainfall.

                                                                           

 

3. Foliar Spray vs Soil Application

A. Soil Application

• Fertilizer mixed into soil at sowing or top dressing

• Long-term release of nutrients

• Common in cereals, sugarcane, paddy

Pros:

• Deep root absorption

• Builds soil fertility

Cons:

• Nutrient loss due to leaching

• Requires irrigation or rainfall

B. Foliar Spray

• Nutrient solution sprayed directly on leaves

• Rapid uptake during stress or deficiency

Pros:

• Quick results

• Good for micronutrients

• Useful in dryland areas

Cons:

• Risk of leaf burn if overdone

• Short-term effect

C. When to Use What?

CropBest MethodNotes

PaddySoil + foliarFoliar during heading

VegetablesFoliar + compostFortnightly micronutrient spray

WheatSoilTop dressing at 30–35 days

BananaSoilMOP for flowering and fruiting

NurseryFoliarDiluted spray for seedlings

Rule of thumb: Use soil application for base nutrition, foliar spray for corrections and boosts.

                                                                             

 

4. Avoiding Over-Fertilization

Excess fertilizer doesn’t mean better yield. It harms crops, pollutes groundwater, and damages soil microbes.

A. Signs of Over-Fertilization

• Yellowing or browning of leaf tips

• Poor flowering

• Salt deposits on soil

• Weak stems despite lush foliage

B. Causes

• Applying full dose at once

• Ignoring soil test results

• Improper fertilizer mixing

• Overuse of urea

C. Long-Term Effects

• Soil acidification

• Nitrate pollution in drinking water

• Pest and disease susceptibility

• Yield stagnation or drop

D. Prevention

• Split doses instead of one-time application

• Use neem-coated urea (NCU) to slow nitrogen release

• Regular soil testing (every 2 seasons)

• Educate labor on exact measurement

MistakeSafer Alternative

Full urea doseSplit into 2–3 applications

No soil testDo basic pH + NPK test

Untrained helpDemonstrate before application

Fertilizers are medicine for plants. Overdose causes more harm than benefit.

                                                                       

 

5. Mixing Fertilizer with Micronutrients

Micronutrients like Zinc, Boron, Iron, Manganese are just as important as NPK for a healthy crop.

A. Role of Key Micronutrients

• Zinc (Zn): Root growth, enzyme activity

• Boron (B): Fruit setting, pollination

• Iron (Fe): Chlorophyll and photosynthesis

• Magnesium (Mg): Cell formation, sugar movement

B. How to Mix Fertilizers Safely

1. Compatibility Check

• Always mix compatible nutrients

• Avoid urea with calcium or magnesium products

2. Timing

• Apply micronutrients during early growth or flowering

• Best through foliar spray in morning or evening

3. Ready Micronutrient Mixes

• Chelated micronutrient powders (Fe, Zn, B, Cu)

• Liquid combinations (NPK + micro)

C. Crop-wise Micronutrient Use

CropMicronutrientDosage (per acre)Mode

PaddyZinc10–12 kg ZnSO4Soil + spray

VegetablesBoron, Zinc1–2 kg Borax/Zn chelateFoliar spray

WheatIron3–4 kg FeSO4Soil

BananaMagnesium2 kg MgSO4Soil/fertigation

Without micronutrients, even the best NPK plans can fail.

                                                                       

 

Conclusion: Fertilize Right, Grow Strong

Good fertilizer management is not just about yield—it’s about healthy soil, reduced input cost, and sustainable farming. By choosing the right fertilizer type, applying the correct dose, using modern application methods, and combining with micronutrients, Indian farmers can double their productivity and reduce waste.

Always remember:

• Start with soil testing

• Apply in stages

• Mix wisely

• Observe crop behavior

“Balanced nutrition = Balanced crops = Better income”

Tools and Resources for Farmers

• Soil Health Card Scheme: Free government-supported soil testing

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK): Local fertilizer advisory

• mKisan App: SMS alerts on fertilization schedules

• ICAR Manuals: Fertilizer use efficiency guides

Suggested Reading

• Weather-Based Crop Advisory: Smart Farming with Climate Insights

• ICAR Fertilizer Use Efficiency Guide