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Fertilizer best management practices in floriculture

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Indian J. Fert., Vol. 9 (4), pp.160-175 (16 pages)

Fertiliser Best Management Practices in

Floriculture
T. Janakiram, Namita,
Ritu Jain, P. Pavan Kumar
and
Nikhil Dileep Narkar
Division of Floriculture and Landscaping
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

Floriculture sector is generating higher income and employment opportunities,

promoting domestic market and exports. The traditional flower crops viz., rose, marigold,
tuberose, chrysanthemum, jasmine, china aster are grown for loose flowers under open
field conditions have different nutrient requirements compared to cut flower crops like
rose, carnation, gerbera, chrysanthemum, orchids, lilium, anthurium, etc. which are grown
under protected conditions. One of the factors affecting the productivity of most of the
floricultural crops is due to improper use of nutrients. To improve the productivity,
adequate amount of fertilisers in balanced proportion should be used. Number of trials
conducted under AICRP on Floriculture and SAUs resulted in various fertiliser
recommendations in commercial flower crops. The review on nutrition related aspects
on flower crops revealed that split doses of nutrients are superior to single application.
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) including use of mulches, organic manures and
bio-fertilisers along with appropriate dosage of fertilisers is cost effective method to
achieve more yield and better quality crop, besides, improving the soil fertility.
Application of appropriate plant nutrients at proper time with suitable method is one of
the strategies to reduce various losses of nutrients which, in turn, increase the nutrient
use efficiency. Deficiencies of nutrient elements cause various physiological disorders in
flower crops and can be corrected by the application of appropriate nutrients.

I
ndian floriculture is Pradesh, etc. (Figure 1). The states times have become major hubs
characterized by the like West Bengal, Maharashtra, for growing quality flowers. The
cultivation of flowers that are Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Anthurium from Mizoram, the
basically suited for garland Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Carnations from Himachal
making, worship and decoration. etc. have emerged as major cut Pradesh, Orchids from Sikkim,
The Indian floriculture industry flower growing states (Figure 2). Gerbera from Uttarakhand made
has been shifted from traditional North Eastern and other a significant impact in recent
loose flowers to cut flowers for Himalayan states in the recent times.
niche and export markets. India
is one of the leading countries in Table 1 – Area and production of flower crops in India
floriculture with an area of 1.91 Year Area Production
lakh ha producing 6903 million (in Lakh ha) Loose (in mt) Cut (Million Nos.)
cut flowers and 1.031 million
tonnes of loose flowers during 2006-07 1.44 0.88 3717
2010-11 (Table 1). The major loose
flower growing states are Tamil 2007-08 1.66 0.87 4365
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, 2008-09 1.67 0.99 4794
Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, 2009-10 1.83 1.02 6667
West Bengal, Gujarat, 2010-11 1.91 1.03 6903
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar

16 0 Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

 Figure 1 – Major loose flower producing States
Floriculture sector is generating
higher income and employment
opportunities, promoting greater
involvement of women and
enhancement of exports. India has
now emerged as the second largest
grower of flowers in the world.
India is exporting flowers and
flower products to different
countries viz., United States,
Germany, Netherland, United
Kingdom, Japan, United Arab
Emirates, Italy, Canada, Belgium,
Ethiopia, etc. (Figure 3).
It is imperative to make a mention
that the productivity of most of the
flower crops is very low because
of improper use of nutrients,
unavailability of quality planting
material, lack of adoption of proper
planting methods and other agro-
techniques. One of the means to
improve the productivity is to use
adequate amount of fertilisers in
balanced proportion which has
been given less attention by the
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013
flower growers or floriculturist.
The available information
regarding proper use of fertilisers
is very much scattered in flower
crops in particular.
It is well known fact that
balanced nutrition is essential for
the growth, development and
flowering of crops. All the
elements play important role both
in the vegetative and reproductive
growth and are indispensable for
production of foliage and flowers.
As nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium are required in large
quantities and hence, affect plant
growth more as compared to other
mineral nutrients. In addition to
these, secondary nutrients like
calcium, sulphur and magnesium
are also needed in fairly large
quantities than the other essential
elements such as iron, manganese,
zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum
and chlorine. Some of them viz.,
nitrogen, phosphorous and
sulphur are consumed in building
up the plant architecture while
calcium, potassium and
magnesium have both tissue
building and metabolic functions.
However, other essential elements
such as boron, iron, manganese,
copper, zinc and molybdenum
have metabolic functions in the
plant life.
In general, the micro-nutrients are
found naturally in the soil in
sufficient quantities, whereas the
macro-nutrients are deficient in
the soil and needs continuous
supply. The availability of these
nutrients in soil depends upon the
soil pH. Iron, zinc, manganese,
aluminum and copper are
available at low pH (5.0 – 7.0),
whereas the availability of boron
decreases at < 5 and > 7 pH.
However, availability of
molybdenum is maximum at pH
6.5. Chelated compounds are used
to increase the availability of
16 1
 Figure 2 – Major cut flower producing States

micronutrients and make them

available to the plants.
Recommended manures and
fertilisers are conventionally
applied to the soil either as basal
dose or top dressing. However,
foliar nutrition is an effective
method of applying nutrients for
better production in crops like
orchids and potted foliage plants.
The metabolic function of all the
elements required for the plant
growth and development are
described in Table 2.

Nutritional Management in
Flower Crops under Open Field
Conditions

Rose

Roses prefer farmyard manure

(FYM), compost and leaf mould in
Figure 3 – Country-wise share of exports of flowers from India addition to concentrated organic
manures. The rate of application of

16 2 Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

Table 2 – Elements, concentration and their role in plant metabolism
Elements Quantity in Function
whole plants
Carbon 45% All cellular constituents
Oxygen 43% All cellular constituents
Hydrogen 6% All cellular constituents
Nitrogen 3-5% All living matter, amino acids, proteins
Potassium 1.5-3% Enzyme system in the change of sugar to starch, citric acid synthesis, in the
change of amino acids to proteins, respiration, interaction with iron enzymes,
photosynthesis, buffer
Calcium 0.1-3.5% Cell wall, cell permeability, buffer
Sulphur 0.05-1.5% All living matter, proteins, nodulations in legumes, allyl oils of mustards,
chlorophyll synthesis
Phosphorous 0.25-0.5% All living matter, nucleo proteins, lipids, phosphorylation enzymes
Magnesium 0.05-0.7% A part of the chlorophyll molecule, enzyme activator of hexokinase,
phosphorylase, carboxylase, dehydrogenase, peptidase, photosynthesis,
buffer
Chlorine 100-300 ppm With Na and K it helps in maintaining cation anion balance
Iron 10-1500 ppm A part of the porphyrin compounds cytochrome enzyme system,
chlorophyll synthesis
Manganese 5-1500 ppm Chlorophyll synthesis, stabilisation of H- atoms split from H-OH by
hydrogenation in photosynthesis, reduction of nitrates to nitrites, activator
of arginase, carboxylases and dehydrogenases
Zinc 3-150 ppm Tryptophan synthesis, phosphorylation enzymes, enzymes in chloroplasts
Copper 2-75 ppm Enzyme in synthesis of ascorbic acid, activator of polyphenoloxidase,
lactase and oxidase
Boron 2-75 ppm phosphorylation enzymes, glutamine synthesis, nodulation in legumes
Molybdenum Very less Nodulation in legumes, tannin synthesis, reduction of nitrates to nitrites

organic manure depends upon
the source and nature of the soil.
The best time of manure
application to the established
plants is after pruning. Both
organic and fertilisations have
beneficial effects on growth,
development and flower
production. The review on
nutrition related work during
last three decades indicated the
significance of developing various
technologies for increasing
quality flower production. Each of
the mineral elements is specific
in its functions in plant
metabolism. In order to maintain
proper health and sustain
production of roses, it is essential
to apply the accurate fertiliser at
correct time in appropriate
amounts. The nutritional
requirement varies with cultivars,
soil type and its fertility status.
Nitrogenous fertilisers are more
important in vegetative growth
and phosphates help in
production of more and good
quality blooms. Although Indian
soils are quite rich in potassium,
the potash fertilisers in
combination with others give good
results in some regions (34).
To obtain maximum flower yield
of rose cv. “Super Star ” an
application of 500 kg N, 800 kg P2O5,
and 700 kg K2 O along with 10 kg
elemental sulphur; 50 kg each of
MgSO4 and CaSO4 per hectare per
year and foliar spray of FeSO 4
(0.1%), ZnSO 4 (0.5%) and Boron
(0.2%) during November and
January was found to be the best
under Delhi conditions. Balanced
feeding with nitrogen and
phosphorous impart vigour to the
plant, enhance flower yield and
quality. Application of 600 kg
nitrogen in 4 split doses and 200 kg
phosphorous per hectare in cv.
Montezuma proved to be very
effective in Nadia district of West
Bengal for improving plant
growth, yield and quality of rose
flowers (51). The optimum dose of
nitrogen and potassium and low
amount of phosphorous provides
a better vegetative growth with
higher yield and anthocyanin
pigmentation in rose cv.
Celebration (25). The application of
fertilisers NPK at the rate of
6:12:12 g/plant in Edward rose
improved the flower production in
south India (21). The higher flower
yield from the plants of Rosa
damascena was obtained with 100
kg N, 60 kg P2O5 per hectare along

Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013 16 3

with 1% Agromin + 50 ppm NAA
(40). NPK fertilisation in cv.
Superstar influenced nutrient
content in different seasons of the
year (13). It is well known that
nearly 60-70 per cent N of total
nitrogenous fertiliser is lost during
transformation of ammonical
form of nitrogen to nitrate form. For
increasing fertiliser, nitrogen use
efficiency, there is a need to limit
the rate of ammonium oxidation.
Although a number of nitrification
inhibitors are available now days,
but all of them have limitations in
their usefulness in one or other
way. Application of nitrogen along
with encapsulated calcium
carbide (CaC2), a nitrogen inhibitor,
resulted in better utilisation of
applied N by the rose plant of cv.
Raktagandha and also markedly
affected flowering, flower quality
and flower yield (4).
The secondary nutrients also play
an important role for the
improvement in production of
quality rose flowers. It was
observed that, the soil application
of calcium, magnesium and
sulphur appreciably affected the
vegetative growth of rose cv.
Raktagandha plants under Delhi
conditions (6). Magnesium
increases the stem length, bud size,
flower diameter and number of
petals per flower. Magnesium and
calcium applications increase the
longevity of intact flowers.
Application of fertilisers in
solution form to the soil or
hydroponics or in fertigation is
practiced for obtaining good
exhibition blooms. The advantage
of this method is that nutrients
solution reaches the plant root for
immediate utilization. Foliar
application of nutrients not only
rectifies the nutrient deficiency but
also increase the flower production.
In rose cv. Superstar foliar
application of NPK at the rate of 200
ppm after pruning (3 weeks) at
fortnight interval resulted in
accelerated plant height, increased
number of shoots, enforced basal
diameter of shoot, induced early
flowering and produced maximum
16 4
number of flowers with more
petals (5).
Fertiliser Recommendation for Rose
 Apply a mixture of urea, single
superphosphate and potassium
sulphate in the ratio of 1:3:2 at 50
g per plant or 10 kg per 100 sq. m.
for three times i.e. first at
pruning, second at the end of
December when the first flush is
over and third at the end of
February when second flush of
blooms is over.
 Foliar feeding: Spray 3 gram
mixture of urea, dihydrogen
ammonium phosphate, potassium
phosphate and potassium nitrate
(2:1:1:1) along with 1.5 g of teepol
at 10 days interval until last flush
in March.
Gladiolus
Corms of gladiolus are rich in
carbohydrates which is sufficient
to sustain plant growth for initial
few weeks. The cormels, however,
require fairly good amount of
fertilisers because of limited
amount of stored food due to their
small size. Gladiolus requires both
macro as well as micro nutrients
for good growth and flower
production. Nitrogen is primarily
required to promote vegetative
growth. Healthy gladiolus plants
should contain 2.5 to 3.0 per cent N
on dry weight basis. Nitrogen
deficient plants remain weak,
show pale green leaves, and
produce shorter spikes with small-
sized florets. Application of
nitrogen varies with the agro-
climatic conditions, where the crop
is grown. Application of excess
nitrogen should be avoided as it
causes more vegetative growth
and lanky spikes. Nitrogen should
be applied in two equal split doses;
first, when the plant reaches 3rd leaf
stage, and second when it reaches
6th leaf stage. In addition, as and
when the plants show symptoms
of nitrogen deficiency, an
additional application may be
given immediately. Cormels may
be given nitrogen in 4-5
applications at about 3 week
intervals, starting the first
application at one month of the
crop age. Nitrogen application
should be stopped atleast six
weeks before the harvesting of
corms. Nitrate form of nitrogen is
the safest and most suitable source
of nitrogen as compared to
ammonical form. The use of
excessive ammonical nitrogen is
detrimental to the crop as it causes
high incidence of diseases.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient
required for the development of
good root system. For better
growth in general, the leaves of
gladiolus should contain 0.3-0.4
per cent phosphorus on dry weight
basis. Full dose of phosphorus
should be applied as a basal dose.
The roots of gladiolus are highly
sensitive to high salt
concentrations in the soil.
Therefore, in heavy soils, the
phosphorus application may be
delayed till the plant reaches 2-3
leaf stage and develops good root
system. Potassium is known to
increase resistance to diseases and
photosynthetic efficacy of leaves.
Potassium deficiency causes
reduction in spike length, number
of florets and corm size. Healthy
plants of gladiolus should contain
3-4 per cent potassium in the
leaves on dry weight basis.
Potassium may be applied at the
time of planting of corms or when
the plant reaches 1-2 leaf stage.
Important micro-nutrients for
gladiolus are iron (Fe), boron (B),
manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and
copper (Cu). Iron deficiency is,
however, most prevalent in
gladiolus especially in North
Western plains of India. Iron
deficiency causes interveinal
yellowing of new leaves and in
severe deficiency, the emerging
spikes turn light green to yellow.
The deficiency is more pronounced
in alkaline soils or in the soil where
levels of copper, manganese, zinc or
phosphorus are very high. Always
apply freshly prepared solution
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013
because the ferrous is oxidized to
ferric and become unavailable to
the plant.
Fertiliser Recommendation
Gladiolus
 N, P, K each @ 200 kg/ha.
 Nitrogen may be applied in 3-4
split applications i.e. before
planting, at 2-3 leaf stage, at spike
emergence and after completion of
flowering.
Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum is known to
respond well to fertiliser
application. Nitrogen plays an
important role during early
vegetative stage while potassium
during bud appearance stage. The
plants need phosphorous during
their growth period and can be
easily applied as it is released
slowly. The recommended dose of
NPK fertilisation varies with the
climatic condition of different
regions of our country. Liquid
feeding is commonly preferred in
greenhouses as the nutrients are
readily available to the plants. The
toxic effects due to high
concentrations coming into
indirect contact with roots are less
in liquid form. Top dressing is
necessary because of depletion of
nutrients, chiefly nitrogen and
potassium as they are used up by
growing plants. Top dressing with
40 g nitrogen and 20 g potash per
m2 is sufficient for better growth
and development. This dose can be
repeated after one month of
planting. In potted plants, the
peripheral portion near the rim of
the pot is the correct location for
top dressing. Nitrogen application
at 100, 150 or 200 mg/litre in
combination with at least 10 mg/
sulphur/litre produced plants of
commercial quality (24).
Fertiliser Recommendation
Chrysanthemum
 After land preparation, apply 10-
12 tonnes per hectare of well
decomposed farm yard manure
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013
and 50 kg of nitrogen, 160 kg P2O5
and 80 kg K2O per hectare as basal
dose.
for  Top dress the crop with 50 kg
nitrogen per hectare at the time of
first pinching.
Marigold
Information on requirement of
macro and micro nutrients is
scanty, although marigold
responds to fertilisation. Increased
number of flowers per plant was
obtained with the application of 60
kg nitrogen, 90 kg P2O5 and 60 kg
K2 O per hectare (1). It was found
that nitrogen levels had significant
influence on the growth, dry
matter production, flower yield
and floral parameters (12).
Nitrogen fertilisation had a
marginal effect on the consumptive
use of water and water use
efficiency which may be due to
higher flower yield at 300 kg N/ha
in relation to a very small increase
in evaporation (19). Few attempts
have been made for foliar
application for higher productivity
in marigold. However, in addition
to NPK, foliar sprays of 0.2% urea
should be done at an interval of 15
days.
Fertiliser Recommended Dose for
Marigold
 200 kg N and 80 kg P and K per
hectare for good vegetative growth
and flower yield.
 Full dose application of P and K
at the time of land preparation. N
in two split doses i.e. 1st at the time
of land preparation and 2 nd one
month after transplanting.
China Aster
Application of manures and
fertilisers in required quantities is
for important for proper growth, yield
and quality of flowers. The
deficiency of nitrogen causes
dwarfing of plants and small size
flowers. Phosphorus deficiency
causes delayed flowering. Nitrogen
was the most effective nutrient
which significantly increased
flower number, diameter and
seed yield. Top dressing with 120
kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 120 kg K2O
per hectare at 10-12 leaf stage
gave better results than at bud
stage or shortly before flowering.
The application of recommended
dose of NPK and 15 t FYM/ha or 8
t phospho-compost/ha is optimal
for high flower yields (40). China
aster responds well to
micronutrients and application of
Zn, Cu, B and Mn improved the
quality of flowers. Asters are
moderately sensitive to salinity
caused by sodium salts resulted in
decreased plant height and flower
size.
Fertiliser Recommendation for China
Aster
 120 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 120 kg
K2O per hectare at 10-12 leaf stage.
Tuberose
Tuberose requires heavy nutrition;
therefore fertiliser application is
essential for its cultivation. The
application of organic matter is
essential for promoting growth
and more spike production. At the
time of land preparation, FYM
should be applied at the rate of 20
tonnes per hectare. The application
of green manures like Gliricidia
trilobus, Phaseolus trilobous and Oxalis
corniculata at the rate of 10 tonnes/
ha promoted early spike emergence
(15). In tuberose, nitrogen is much
more vital element than
phosphorous and potassium
which influences yield and quality
of flowers and bulb production.
Nitrogen deficiency reduces
number of spikes and flowers as
well as turning of foliage to pale
green. However, excess nitrogen
makes the flower spikes quite tall
and soft further making them
vulnerable to wind and pests.
Application of 325 kg N and 125 kg
each P 2 O 5 and K 2 O per hectare
resulted in high uptake both at
50% flowering and harvesting
stage (28).
165

Table 3 – Fertiliser solution for roses
Nutrient Concentration
(mg/l)
No3-N 156
Ca 132
S-SO 2 23
Mn 1.1
Mo 0.003
If the water has a very low EC then the above solution will have an
EC of about 1.7 mS/cm
Source: (38).
Fertiliser Recommendation for
Tuberose
 FYM @ 3-4 tonnes per hectare.
 100-250 kg N, 100-150 kg P2O 5
and 75-100 kg K2O per hectare.
Jasmine
The cultivation of Jasmine is a
paying enterprise but the
evidences on its nutritional
requirement are very meager. They
respond to intensive application of
manures, however, heavy
manuring encouraged vegetative
growth and hampers quality and
quantity of blooming. A basal dose
of 10 kg FYM per plant per year
along with fertiliser dose of 100 g
N, 150 g P 2 O 5 and 100 g K 2 O
enhances the flowering of Jasminum
grandiflorum (7). However, a basal
application of 20 kg FYM per plant
was given for enhancing the
flower yield (46). It is evident that
the application of 10-30 kg of FYM/
plant affects the growth
performance of the different
jasmine cultivars. A significant
improvement has been observed in
flower yield and other characters
with each increment of N dose up
to 100 g/plant/year in Jasminum
grandiflorum (7). The flower yield in
Jasminum grandiflorum was found to
be enhanced with the foliar
application of P and K at 120 gram
per plant (23). Application of
nitrogen and potassium in Jasminum
sambac at 240 g/plant/year at
16 6
Nutrient Concentration
(mg/l)
P 46
K 174
Fe 1.5
B 0.28
Cu 0.15
bimonthly interval resulted in
higher flower yield. Similar to
macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients
supplemented through foliar spray
also increased flower production.
Fertiliser Recommendation for
Jasmine
 Jasminum auriculatum: 120 g N:
240 g P2O5:120 g K2O per plant.
 Jasminum sambac: 60 g N: 60 g
P2O5:120 g K2O per plant.
 Jasminum grandiflorum: 60g N: 60
g P2O5:120 g K2O per plant.
Nutritional Management in
Flower Crops under Protected
Conditions
Nutrients are usually applied with
irrigation water in greenhouse
crops. Fertiliser tanks are used for
fertigation because of many
advantages such as low rate of
application, uniform distribution,
better nutrient use efficiency, easy
availability of nutrients to the
plants, etc.
Rose
The most important aspect in
greenhouse cultivation of roses is
nutrition. The fertiliser regime is
followed only after the soil and
water analysis is carried out and
quantities are compared with the
standards available. It is always
desired that the nutrients are
applied in smaller quantities more
frequently, so that the plants get a
regular supply of the required
nutrients. Commercial grade 110%
water soluble or liquid fertilisers
are used to enrich the roses that are
usually given through irrigation
system. During summer months,
the nutrient requirements of roses
per unit area per day is distributed
into three equal parts and is
injected into the drip lines when
irrigated in the morning, afternoon
and evening. However, during
rainy and winter seasons, the
frequency of irrigation is reduced
and the nutrient content is
adjusted into one or two
irrigations. Rose develops
nutritional disorders and
deficiencies very quickly and
recovers its normal growth very
slowly. In order to ensure the
maximum availability of all the
nutrients, it is advisable to
maintain a soil pH between 5.5 to
6.3. When grown under polyhouse
conditions it requires heavy dose
of nitrogen and potassium;
moderate dose of phosphorous,
magnesium, sulphur, manganese,
copper and molybdenum. It is very
sensitive to iron and boron
deficiencies .Generally for cut
roses, the basic nutrient
concentration is 150-200 ppm
nitrogen. The recommended soil
nutrient levels for roses are:
Nitrates 25-75 mg/litre,
Phosphorus 4-6 mg/litre,
Potassium 30-80 mg/litre (5% base
solution), Calcium 80 mg/litre (60-
70% base solution), Magnesium 5
mg/litre (10 % base saturation) (16)
(Table 3). The foliar nutrient level
for fertiliser application
programme to produce good
quality flowers is mentioned in
Table 4.
Gerbera
Gerbera plants need ample
amount of macro-nutrients
especially phosphorus and
potassium for profuse flowering. A
standard feeding solution for
gerbera contains anions (mmol/
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

Table 4 – Foliar nutrient level for fertiliser application programme
Nutrient Range
Nitrogen 3.5-4.5 %
Phosphorous 0.2-0.3 %
Potassium 2.0-2.5 %
Calcium 1.0-1.5 %
Magnesium 0.28-0.32 %
litre) e.g. NO3: 8.0-13.0, Cl<4.0; SO4:
1.3-2.0; HCO 3 :0.5 and P: 0.1-0.4
cations (mmol/lit) e.g. NH4 <1.0; K
1.0-2.5, Na:0-<4.0; Ca:1.0->4.0; Mg:
0.7-72.0 and micro elements
(mmol/litre) e.g. Fe:12.0-25.0;
Mn:1.5-10.0; Zn: 2.0-4.0; B:12.0-30.0;
Cu:0.8-1.0; MO: 0.5; pH 5-6.5; EC: 0.5-
2.0 ms/cm. Application of a
combination of NPK (2:1:3) at the
rate of 90 mg N, 130 mg P2O5 and
400 mg K 2 O proves ideal for
gerbera. Frequent applications of
nutrients at regular intervals are
useful for optimum growth and
development of gerbera.
The application of NPK proved
very effective in increasing the
number of leaves and suckers and
in producing larger number of
flower heads of bigger size (8). The
highest number of flowers was
obtained by growing gerbera in
peat with ammonium nitrate +
superphosphate + potassium
sulphate at 4 g/L (18). An excess of
N reduced the yield and vase life of
gerbera (29). The optimum level of
N as 250 mg/l for the composted
pine bark medium was also
recorded in gerbera (41). Gerbera
cv. Lada grown in loam and peat
(1:2) substrate with 4 NPK
applications, yielded maximum of
40 flowers per year with nitrogen
application in spring, summer,
autumn and winter at 40, 20, 10
and 5 mg/100 g of substrate,
respectively (39). The mixture of
peat: soil: sand (3:1:1) was used and
applied NPK fertiliser to determine
the optimum time and rate of
application in relation to the plant
development phases. N at 0.025 g/
kg soil applied at 15-17 days after
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013
Nutrient Range
Iron 70-320 ppm
Zinc 20-80 ppm
Copper 5-30 ppm
Boron 30-200 ppm
Manganese 35-490 ppm
planting, N: K2O at 0.1: 0.15 g/kg soil
at the state of rapid vegetative
growth, N: P2O5 at 0.1:0.1 kg/soil at
bud formation stage and NPK at
0.1: 0.1: 0.23 g/kg soil at the
beginning of flowering gave the
best results for plant growth and
flower production (27). The most
effective dose of fertiliser for G.
Jamesonii hybrid was found to be 60
kg N, 48 kg P2O and 90 kg K2O/1000
m2/year. (48). It was observed that
the number of marketable flowers
increased as both N and K rates
were increased up to 110 kg /ha (14).
Micronutrients also play an
important role in growth and
flowering of gerbera. It was
suggested that the interveinal
chlorosis of gerbera can be
corrected by the spraying of 0.1-0.2
per cent MnSO4. H2O (49). Further,
Fe deficiency could be corrected by
the application of 1 g chelate per
sq. m grown in a peat substrate
having pH range 4.8-5.5 enriched
with the fertiliser mixture. The
effect of Cu was improved by
liming peat and the optimum rates
were 60 g CuSO4 and 2 kg CaCO3
per m3 . The application of lime
resulted in 46.5 per cent increase
in the number of flowers per sq. m
and also improved flower quality.
Cultivars Hanny and Veromica
exhibited better growth and yield
when 60 mg Cu was applied in the
form of solution at the rate of 5-6 g
CuSO4.5H2O per plant at 6-8 weeks
interval (17).
Carnation
Carnation needs regular supply of
nutrients throughout their life
cycle. Thus, the application of
nutrients in small doses but more
frequently, favours better growth
and flower production. Carnation
makes a good reserve of nitrogen
at the tufting stage which is
utilized during flowering. The
application of well rotten FYM at
the rate of 5 kg/m2 is beneficial for
highest number of flower
production in carnation cv.
Marguerite Scarlet. The application
of nitrogen in three split doses i.e.
1/3rd before transplanting, 1/3rd one
month after transplanting and 1/
3 rd one month after second
application increased vegetative
growth and production of blue
grade flowers as compared to
single basal dose or two split doses.
Nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers
improved the flower yield by
increasing the number of branches
and shoot growth (32). In Dianthus
caryophyllus cv. Desio, it was found
that increased concentration of
NO 3 -N decreased the growth
related traits of flowers and
number of days to flowering (37).
Application of 1000 ppm N in two
perpetual carnation cultivars,
namely, White Candy and Cargo
showed beneficial effects on plant
height, stem length, bud size, flower
diameter and flower yield (47).
Regular soil and tissue tests
should be taken up to determine
existing nutrient levels. In general,
the optimal nitrate level in the
medium should be 25-40 ppm;
phosphorus 5- 10 ppm; potassium
25- 40 ppm; calcium 125 - 200 ppm;
magnesium 30 -40 ppm and boron
30-35 ppm. Tissue nutrient levels
are pre-requisite to determine
fertilisation schedule for quality
plant production (Table 5).
Chrysanthemum
The crop needs high level of
potassium in the growth medium
for good growth and yield. The
desirable range of nutrients is 25-
50 mg/litre – Nitrogen, 5-10 mg/
litre – Phosphate, 20-40 mg/litre -
Potassium, 100-150 mg/litre
Calcium. The critical leaf K level is
2.3 - 2.8% boron and copper
deficiencies frequently limits the
16 7
 Table 5 – Tissue nutrient levels to determine fertilisation schedule
Nutrient Range
Nitrogen 3.2-5.2 %
Phosphorous 0.2-0.3 %
Potassium 2.5-6.0 %
Calcium 1.0-2.0 %
growth of chrysanthemum. Since
boron is easily leached from soil,
continuous supply through
fertigation at low levels is essential
to maintain a leaf level of 25-50 ppm
boron. In leaf copper should be
maintained at 8 ppm (16).
Orchids
Orchids receive very small
quantity of nutrients under
natural conditions. The terrestrial
orchids obtain nourishment from
the decaying leaves and other
vegetative matter. However,
epiphytic orchids get nutrients
from the first rain and also from
the bird-droppings which are
washed by rains, from the upper
branches downwards. Orchid
hybrids, however, require larger
amounts of nutrients since growth
and flowering rates are faster. The
type of nutrients, their quantity
and frequency of application
depend largely on the type of
orchid, potting medium, season of
the year, growing conditions, stage
of plant development, etc.
The major nutrients like nitrogen;
is essential for vegetative growth,
phosphorus; to initiate flowering
process and potassium to build up
strong roots and makes the plants
resistant to biotic stresses. Since,
most of the cultivated orchids are
epiphytic in nature; the media used
are highly porous. If nutrients are
applied in the media they are prone
to leaching and become
unavailable to the plants. Hence, in
orchids, foliar feeding is ideal for
providing proper nutrition. It is
always better to use small
quantities of fertilisers at shorter
intervals than using large
quantities at longer intervals. It
helps the plants to grow steadily
without any deficiency throughout
16 8
Nutrient Range
Magnesium 25-75 %
Zinc 25-75 ppm
Copper 10-30 ppm
Boron 30-100 ppm
their growth period but for
younger plants, the concentration
should be very low. In newly
planted orchids, no fertiliser
application is necessary till new
roots are formed.
A fertiliser complex containing
nitrogen, phosphorus and potash
in equal proportion (e.g. 17:17:17
complex) is ideal for general
application. The concentration
may be adjusted between 0.2 and
1.0 per cent depending upon the
conditions. During vegetative
phase a 30:10:10 combination may
be used which may be changed to
10:20:20 formulation during
blocking stage.
Fermented organic manures like
cow dung, neem oil cake, poultry
manure, etc. are also used for
monopodial orchids. These are
diluted 10-15 times with water
filtered and sprayed over the
plants. Depending upon the
various conditions such as type of
orchid, quantity supplied in each
application, stage of growth of the
plant, season etc., the frequency of
application could vary from thrice
a week to once in two weeks under
tropical conditions, though a week
is the usual recommendation. As
flower buds begin to form interior
sheath, a mixture containing more
of phosphorus is useful in
improving the quality of spike.
Table 6 – Nutrient status of the medium and nutrient supplied
through irrigation water
Nutrient Concentration
(mg/l)
Sulphate 48
Phosphate 31
Potash 14
Calcium 176
Magnesium nitrate 6091
It is advised to stop application of
fertiliser about three days prior to
harvest of spikes as it may
otherwise reduce the shelf life of
flowers. An overdose of
nitrogenous fertilisers cause delay
in flowering and even reduction
in quality of flowers. Plants should
be flushed with plain water every
fortnight so that the salt left behind
from the fertilisers will not build
upto toxic level. Nitrogen starved
leaves show yellow colour, but
such symptoms in the new growth
can be eliminated by application of
nitrogen. Phosphorus deficiency
may hamper new growth and
plants may remain in vegetative
phase. A long period of potash
deficiency can result in
discolouration of flowers and
reduction in the number of flower
buds.
Anthurium
Anthurium needs adequate
amount of nutrients for proper
growth and flowering. The
application of nitrogen, potassium
and calcium markedly improve the
yield and quality of flowers.
Adequate level of calcium is
necessary for obtaining optimum
yield and to stabilize spathe colour.
The fertilisers are applied to the
plants through ground level
sprinklers or drip irrigation
system. Depending upon nutrient
status of the medium, the following
combinations of nutrients are
supplied through irrigation water
by many commercial growers
(Table 6).
Deficiency of nutrient elements
adversely affects the plant growth
Nutrient Concentration
(mg/l)
Iron 0.80
Zinc 0.20
Copper 0.03
Boron 0.22
Manganese 0.16
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013
 all natural and man-made sources
Table 7 – Tissue nutrient level in lilium
of plant nutrients, so that crop
productivity increases in an
Nutrient Range Nutrient Range
efficient and environmentally
Nitrogen 2.4-4.0 % Iron 100-250 ppm benevolent manner, without
Phosphorous 0.1-0.7 % Zinc 30-70 ppm
sacrificing soil productivity for
future generations. Balanced
Potassium 2.0-5.0 % Copper 5-25 ppm application of appropriate
Calcium 0.2-0.4 % Boron 20-25 ppm fertilisers is a major component of
Magnesium 0.3-2.0 % Manganese 50-250 ppm INM.

Nutrient conservation in the soil is

and development. Potassium
deficiency causes leaf necrosis and
root tip death. Calcium deficiency
results in colour break down,
instability of the middle lamella,
cell separation and collapsing the
proximal section of the lobe and
spathe. This problem tends to be
more serious when substrate pH
lowers down to 3-4.
Lilium
In Lilium, due to high nutrient
reserve in bulbs fertilisation is
not required during forcing.
Fertilisation programme should
be commenced at shoot
emergence using calcium nitrate
and potassium nitrate at a 2:1 ratio
on weekly basis and medium
should be amended with
phosphorous. Constant
fertilisation throughout the
growing period should be done
with nitrogen at 200-500 ppm.
The tissue nutrient level in lilium
is mentioned in Table 7 and
fertigation scheduling in flower
crops under protected structures
is mentioned in Table 8.
Integrated Nutrient Management
(INM)
INM maintains soils as
storehouses of plant nutrients
essential for vegetative growth.
Integrated nutrient management
(INM) is an approach to soil
fertility management that
combines organic and mineral
methods of soil fertilisation with
physical and biological measures
for soil and water conservation.
INM’s goal is to integrate the use of
another critical component of INM.
Mulch application, cover crops,
intercropping, and biological
nitrogen fixation act as physical
barriers to wind and water erosion
and help to improve soil
characteristics and structure. Use
of bio-fertilisers is one the
important components of INM due
to cost effectiveness and a
renewable source of plant
nutrients to supplement the
fertilisers for sustainable
horticulture.
It was reported that the
Azospirillum inoculated plants
showed early flowering, besides
extended crop period and higher
flower yield in French marigold
(3). The application of nitrogen at
37.5 kg/ha along with1000 ppm
ascorbic acid spray and

Table 8 – Fertigation scheduling in flower crops under protected structures

Crop Fertigation schedule Dose (ppm)
N P K
Ro se Vegetative stage (September-October) 80 50 60
Flowering and harvesting flush (November-March) 100 60 80
Flowering and harvesting normal (April-August) 80 50 80
Chrysanthemum Vegetative stage (September-October) 80 50 60
Flowering and harvesting flush (November-April) 90 60 80
Maintenance dose (May-August) 50 30 50
Carnation Vegetative stage (September-October) 50 30 40
Flowering and harvesting flush (November-March) 60 40 60
Maintenance dose (April-August) 40 20 40
Gerbera Vegetative stage (September-October) 70 50 60
Flowering and harvesting flush (November-April) 80 60 80
Maintenance dose (May-August) 40 24 40
Lilium Vegetative stage (September-October) 60 36 60
Flowering and harvesting flush (November-March) 80 50 80
Maintenance dose (April-August) 50 30 50
Source: (20).

Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013 16 9

Table 9 – Fertiliser doses in flower crops recommended by AICRP on floriculture

Crop Centres Recommended doses Reference

Rose BCKV, Kalyani 60 kg nitrogen, 20 kg phosphorous and 20 kg potassium. 44

MPUAT, Udaipur Nitrogen 60 kg, Phosphorous 40 kg and Potassium 20 kg for plant growth
and Nitrogen 20 kg, Phosphorous 20 kg and Potassium 20 kg for higher
flower yield.
Pune N: P: K at the rate of 60:40:20 gm per square meter is ideal for cv. Gladiator.

Gladiolus Delhi, Pune, Kalyani N 200 kg, 80 kg P 2O 5, 80 kg K 2O per acre.Nitrogen should be applied in two 22
and Bengaluru equal doses; first, when the plant reaches 3 leaf stage, and second when
it reaches 6 leaf stages.
Ludhiana 160 kg nitrogen, 40 kg of P 2 O5 , 40 kg of K 2 O per acre in sandy soils.
Fe deficiency can be corrected by spraying the plants with 0.2 per cent
ferrous sulphate solution twice or thrice at 10-day intervals.

Chrysanthemum West Bengal 30N: 20P: 20 K g/m 2 for optimum growth and flower yield. 36
(Kalyani)
Tamil Nadu NPK application at the rate of 300:200:200 kg/ha along with 10 tonnes of
(Coimbatore) FYM/ha has been recommended for higher flower yield.
Maharashtra (Pune)
Jammu& Kashmir N and P 2O 5 20 g each per m2 has been recommended in cv. Flirt.
(Srinagar)
Karnataka (Bengaluru) N 40: P 2O 520: K 2O 20 g per m2 has been recommended for cv.
Tamil Nadu Local white and cv. CO-1.
(Coimbatore)
Pune NPK @ 200: 200: 200 kg/hectare.
Ludhiana NPK @ 400:400:200 kg/hectare.

China Aster Karnataka (Bengaluru 90 kg N, 60 kg P and 60 kg K per hectare at the time of preparation of land. 42
West Bengal (Kalyani) 400 kg N along with 200 ha kg P 2O 5 per ha produced the highest yield of flowers.
Maharashtra (Pune) 300 kg/ha nitrogen and 200 kg/ha of phosphorus improve flower yields.

Anthurium TNAU, Coimbatore Plants of A. andraeanum cv. Temptation grown under 75% shade net sprayed 31
with NPK @ 30:10:10 at 0.2% in combination with GA 3, 100 ppm produced
the highest number of flowers and number of suckers per plant.

Tuberose BSI, Howrah 200 kg N, 400 kg P 2O 5 and 200 K 2 O per hectare has been recommended for 2
improved flowering and bulb formation.
Maharashtra (Pune) 150 kg N, 200 kg P 2O 5 and 200 kg K 2O per hectare.
TNAU, Coimbatore 200 kg N and 60 kg P 2O5 per hectare.
Karnataka (Bengaluru) 200 kg each of NPK per hectare per year.

Gerbera Jammu & Kashmir 20 g N/m2 provided increased stalk length, flower diameter and flowers per plant 43
(Srinagar) and 10 g P 2O 5/m2 resulted into more number of flowers with increased vase life.

Orchids BSI, Howrah, Kolkata Foliar application of fertiliser solution comprising of potassium nitrate (2.63 g), 30
ammonium sulphate (0.44 g), magnesium sulphate (2.04 g), mono-calcium
phosphate (1.09 g), calcium sulphate (4.86 g), ferrous sulphate (0.50 g) and
manganese sulphate (2 ml of 1% solution) in 4.5 litres of water at fortnightly
interval is recommended for improving growth and flowering in Dendrobium
moschatum and Aerides multiflorum.Irhyncostylis gigantean, foliar spray of 500 ppm
each of N, P2O5 and K 2O at fortnightly interval was found to be the best.
KAU, Vellanikkara NPK 10:20:10 at 0.2 per cent weekly twice + BA 100 ppm enhances number of
spikes per year and number of florets per spike in Dendrobium cv. Sonia 17.
Carnation Kalyani 400:200:200 kg/ha of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash is recommended for 50
(West Bengal) increasing the flower production of standard carnation.
Ludhiana, 30-40 g N, 20 g P 2O 5 and 10 g of K 2 O per sq.m is recommended.
Hessaraghatta and For Ludhiana centre, application of nitrogen in three equal splits, as basal dose,
Solan one and two months after planting proved significantly superior than single
or two doses.

17 0 Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

inoculated with Azospirillum
resulted in higher flower yield
after six months of planting in
Edward rose (33).
It was reported that
phosphobacteria treated rooted
cuttings of Jasminum sambac had
given higher establishment
percentage in the field as well as
increased the plant height and
number of branches (26). In
marigold, plant height was found
superior with the application of full
dose of nitrogen with Azotobacter
and phosphorous solubilising
bacteria (10). Fungi are also
known to play a vital role in
releasing phosphates into the
rhizosphere from insoluble
Phosphorous sources. Penicillium
simplicissimum, Penicillium
aurantiogriseum and Penicillium
regulosum IR-95 solubilise mineral
phosphates by secretion of
gluconic and citric acid (35).
Aspergillus niger showed P
solubilisation ability on a variety
of carbon sources (9). Penicillium
balajii solubilises Ca/P complexes
by secretion of oxalic and citric
acids (11). The combined
application of Azospirillum and AM
even with the reduction of 25% of
recommended dose of NPK
increased marigold growth (3).
Plants belong to Poaceae or
Graminae require silica which is
not supplied exogenously as a
fertiliser. Turf grasses accumulate
4-20% silica in straw and its
requirement increase with the
addition of more nitrogen as more
nitrogen makes the plant tender
and succulent, rendering a high
demand of silica which reverses
the nitrogen effect by making
sturdy and erect plants. Indian
soils exhibit deficiency of zinc with
contents much below the critical
level of 1.5 ppm (45).
Recommendations of Fertiliser
Application from AICRP on
Floriculture
Various research trials conducted
at coordinated centres under All
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013
India Coordinated Research
Programme (AICRP) on
Floriculture revealed that split
doses of nutrients are superior to
single application at sowing or
any other growing stage. The
various recommendations
emerged from the trials in different
flower crops are summarized in
Table 9.
Nutrient Deficiencies and
Disorders in Flower Crops
Deficiency leads to morphological
variation, which results in low
productivity of quality flowers.
The deficiency symptoms of
nutrients can be corrected
through foliar feeding even after
planting. The easy key for
identification of deficiencies of
macro and micro nutrients in
general is summarised in Figure
4.
Nutritional disorders are basically
physiological disorders in the
plants that affect the
productivity as well as the
quality of flowers. Disturbance in
the plant metabolic activities
resulting from an excess or deficit
of environmental variables like
Figure 4 – Identification of deficiency symptoms
temperature, light, aeration and
nutritional imbalances result in
disorders. Nutritional disorders
have become widespread with
diminishing use of organic
manures, unbalanced NPK
fertiliser application and extension
of horticulture to marginal lands.
Therefore, proper application of
nutrients/fertiliser is important to
prevent the crop from these
disorders. Various disorders of
flower crops and their symptoms
is given in Table 10 and shown in
Plates 1 and 2.
CONCLUSION
Fertilisers play an important role
in increasing growth and flower
yield. Organic manures play a vital
role as a component of integrated
nutrient management in achieving
higher crop yields and soil health
for sustainability. Application of
appropriate plant nutrients at
proper time with suitable method
is one of the strategies to reduce
various losses of nutrients, which
in turn, increase the nutrient use
efficiency. Nutrients along with
bio-fertilisers are beneficial for
enhancing quality and yield in
flower crops.
17 1
Table 10 – Nutritional deficiency disorders in commercial flower crops
Crop Nutritional Symptoms
Deficiency
Rose Iron • Slow growth and wilting of plants
• Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves
• Thin leaves and stunted growth
• Necrosis at leaf margins
• Dull flower colour and small size
• Aborted flowering shoot
Boron • Malformed flower buds and petals
• Decrease in flowers
• Die back of stem tip and flowering shoots
• stunted root growth
• Scorched, thicken, cup shapes and
distorted leaves
• Shoot become stiff and excessively
branched
Magnesium • Large necrotic white areas located
symmetrically on both sides of midribs
of leaflets between larger veins
• Young leaves become mottled and
Chlorotic
• Immediate drop of injured leaves
• Severe root injury
Chrysanthemum Iron • Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves
during early stages and are yellowish
in the severe stage Stunted growth
of plants
• The leaves become small and thin
Copper • Few flower buds opened completely
• Petals curve upwards
• In severe cases flower bud initiation is
retarded
• Terminal leaf base chlorotic initially,
even veins are chlorotic in later stages
Boron • Loss of turgidity in peripheral flowers
before central flowers fully open
• The petals are twisted and cup shaped in
severe deficiency
Gladiolus Boron • Youngest emerging leaves exhibit
interveinal chlorosis
• Spike size is reduced
• Flowers do not open fully
Manganese • Interveinal chlorosis of young and
physiologically mature leaves. The leaves
do not turn yellowish in severe conditions • Apply NPK fertilisers in band near the
as in iron deficiency
Magnesium • The older or lower leaves are chlorotic
with the base of the leaf remaining green
while the tip is chlorotic
Gerbera Iron • Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves
• Small leaf size
• Short flower stalks
• The plant dies within a week or 10 days in
severe deficiency
17 2
Management
• Soil should be slightly acidic (pH 6 to 6.5).
• Use N fertilisers with higher NO4 /NO3 ratio.
• Avoid calcareous soil and bicarbonate rich
irrigation water.
• Spray 0.5 % FeSO4 at pH 4- 5 with
surfactant Fe- EDTA chelate at 0.1 %.
• Foliar spray of 0.2 % Boric acid twice at
30 and 45 days after pruning.
• Adding Magnesium Sulphate at 15-25 g/
plant immediately after pruning.
• Use of well decomposed FYM.
• Use of acidic red soil while preparing
growth media.
• Foliar spray of 0.5 % ferrous sulphate
at pH 4.5 or Fe EDTA at 0.1 % twice once
at 30 days and another at 45 days
after pruning.
• Maintaining growth media at pH 5.5 to 6.
• Copper sulphate application at 10 kg/ha
• Soil application of Boron at 2 kg/ ha
(15-20 kg borax/ha).
• Foliar spray of 0.2 % Boric acid twice
once in 3 week after planting and again at
25 % flower bud emergence.
• Apply acid forming fertilisers which
solubilise soil iron for the plant and
increases iron availability.
• Foliar spray of 0.5% FeSO 4 at
pH 4-5 a surfactant and 0.2% urea.
• Foliar spray of 0.5% MnSO4 or 0.3 % MnCl2
immediately after foliar symptoms appear.
cormels to correct the disorder.
• Applying MgSO 4 to soil at 500 kg/ha.
• If the pH is 7 or above and applying dolomite
at same rate as basal dose if soil is acidic.
• Foliar spray of 0.5 to 1.0 % MgSO 4.
• Use of Fe EDTA.
• Foliar spray of 0.5 % FeSO 4 with 0.5 %
urea with suitable surfactant.
Continued......
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013
Table 10 – Nutritional deficiency disorders in commercial flower crops (Concluded)
Crop Nutritional Symptoms Management
Deficiency
Carnation Boron • Young emerging leaf become curved • Spray 0.2 % Boric acid thrice, one at
and twisted 15 days after planting , second
• Internodes of the upper part of the shoot 30 days after planting and third when
is curved 25 % of the plants have bloomed.
• The meristem dies as the deficiency
become severe
Iron • Interveinal chlorosis in young emerging • Correct the pH of the growth medium with
Leaf blade become thin gypsum at 0.5 -1.0 t/ha if the pH exceeds
7.5.
• Spray of ferrous sulphate at 0.5 % with
surfactant at 20 ml/100 litre.
Tuberose Calcium • Spike cracking, but in acute cases • Apply 100-120 mg/litre Calcium Sulphate.
to bud rot • Foliar spray of 0.5 to 1.0 % MgSO 4.
Magnesium • Interveinal chlorosis of older leaves • Spray 0.2 % Boric acid.
Boron • Cracking of leaf margin, deformed leaves
and stunted inflorescence .

Nitrogen deficiency in rose Potassium deficiency in rose

Magnesium deficiency in poinsettia and rose

Iron deficiency in rose and petunia

Plate 1 – Deficiency symptoms in Flower crops.

Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013 17 3

Molybdenum deficiency in poinsettia
(Calyx splitting)
Plate 2 – Deficiency symptoms in Flower crops
FUTURE LINE OF WORK
There is a dearth of
information regarding nutrient
management in flower crops. The
following strategies need to be
prioritized to strengthen this
aspect.
 Need based and area specific
recommendations to be developed.
 Appropriate nutrient manage-
ment strategy considering the
interactive effects of different
nutrients with the available soil
moisture and other soil attributes.
 Identifying critical soil health
parameters for soil testing
especially for fertiliser
management rather than mere
analysis of soils for the available
nutrient content.
 GIS based mapping and their
networking to monitor nutrient
variations on a dynamic scale for
general areas.
 Developing suitable models and
satellite imagery to integrate into
practical ground situation.
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HANDBOOK ON FERTILISER TECHNOLOGY

(Revised Edition November 2010)

The current edition, which is the seventh in series has been updated and totally
restructured for easy access of information for the benefit of the readers. In all there
are 18 chapters. The handbook covers the status of fertiliser industry in India, the
feedstock and raw material availability and its use, production of various intermediates
and fertilisers and new developments in various process technologies. Environmental
regulations and both environmental and safety initiatives of the fertiliser industry have
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Price Rs. 500/- single copy

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Foreign US $ 100 (including airfreight charges)

For your copies please write to:

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Tel: 91-11-26567144 FAX: 91-11-26960052
Email: acctt@faidelhi.org Website: www.faidelhi.org

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