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A Comprehensive Guide
for Every Progressive Farmer !
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O Z F e
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B F e N C
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g C a O
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e C a
M M o
g O (Copyright IMT, PUNE - INDIA)
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S e S
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Plant Nutrition has now taken on the coveted role of being a stand-alone subject in universities
universiti es
worldwide. Dr. Konrad Mengel is the acclaimed 'Father of Plant Nutrition'.
Nutrit ion'. However in India, 50
years ago, the pioneer of Plant Nutrition was Shri. S. N. Ranade and we do consider him the
'Father of Micronutrient Industry in India'.
Mr. S. N. Ranade was a microbiologist and was involved in the field of micronutrient research
since 1967. He started the Institute for Micronutrient Research in Pune, India and worked on
crop and soil specific requirements of essential nutrients. His stress was on micronutrients and
their role in higher qualitative and quantitative yields.
We conduct applied research on Balanced Plant Nutrition. In keeping with our founder
Shri. S. N. Ranade's ideologies of training the farmer to become more independent, we have
decided to publish a manual with some key concepts of Plant Nutrition.
Nutritio n.
1
Every farmer's main aim is to produce the maximum from his land. In earlier times when
Decrease in Yields - Qualitative and Quantitative : This point does not need much
explanation as the farmers have felt the pinch themselves.
Effect on the Consumer-Malnutrition : You are what you eat. All animals and humans are
dependent directly or indirectly on plants for their food. By linear logic, we can state that if the
quality of the food we eat is sub-optimal we are going to be malnutritioned
malnutritioned.. Agriculture
should now start paying attention to producing enough food of high nutritional quality and
diversity.
2
Plant Physiology is a build up physiology Now every plant is controlled by its genetic
while human and animal physiology is a code. This code determines the maximum
break down physiology. What this means is inherent potential of a crop to produce.
that plants utilize raw materials to produce maximized
However, this potential will be maximized
end products which we use for food and only under
only under conditions of optimal external and
energy. The process of photosynthesis is a internal conditions. What this means is that
key in this build up physiology. Though an even if all optimal external conditions are
extremely complicated process, below is a provided to the plant, optimal photosynthesis
simplified version of this process. Plants use will take place only if the genetic potential of
simple raw material like carbon dioxide, the crop is optimized. How to optimize both
water and in the presence of sunlight they internal and external conditions to the best of
convert these into various sugars and our abilities is what we will discuss.
starches. These would constitute as the
external conditions which could affect crop
growth rate and yield.
6CO2+12H2O C6H12O6+6O2+6H2O
Internal Conditions
Genetic Potential
OPTIMAL GROWTH
SIMPLIFIED
PROCESS OF YIELD
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
3
B
MICRONUTRIENTS Mo Cu Ni MICRONUTRIENTS
Fe Mn Zn
SECONDARY SECONDARY
NUTRIENTS Se Ca Mg S Si NUTRIENTS
MAJOR
NUTRIENTS
N P K MAJOR
NUTRIENTS
C H O CI
NATURAL NUTRIENTS
IMT TECHNOLOGIES
1-A, Kondhwa Khurd, Pune 411 048,LTD.
INDIA.
4
Plant can not carry out life cycle without the nutrient.
Considerable research has suggested that application of the nutrients in correct ratios to the
crop can significantly improve the qualitative and quantitative crop yields. Plants are quite
fastidious when uptake of nutrients is concerned and they preferentially exclude or absorb
nutrients based on the concentration of nutrients provided to them. There is a pre-determined
ratio of nutrients that is required by the plant system, depending on its life cycle, environment
and its genotypic charateristics. Maximum results are obtained from the addition of
micronutrients only when
whe n major and secondary nutrients are present in adequate amounts and
in a balance required by the crop.
5
Yield and
an d dise
d isease
ase res
resista
istance
nce inc
increa
reases
ses pro
propo
portio
rtionat
nately
ely
to the increase in the uptake of nutrients
nu trients
A Under such low fertilizer input
conditions, there are a number of
F Disease Resistance Line factors that limit growth and
Optimum Yield development of the crop. Deficiency
symptoms are expressed on the
plant parts and yield is compromised.
Correspondingly, disease resistance
e
nc F B F of crop is low.
at C B This is the condition of hidden
si D
s hunger. What
hunger. What this means is
e that nutrient inputs are sufficient
R
e enough so that the plant may not
s
a show any symptoms of nutrient
e
si deficiency. However, yields will
D B E
d be reduced and the quality of the
n produce will also be sub-optimal.
a
ld C This Is the
the part of the curve that
that
ei
Y the crop should ideally be in. Here
f
o A the right amount and the right
% balance of nutrients is provided to
the crop hence assuring top
6
Justus Von Liebig, father of the fertilizer industry formulated the Law of Minimum. The Law
states that the nutrient that is available to the plant in the least / Iimiting amount is what will lead
to a decrease in yield even if other nutrients are available in optimal quantities.
quantit ies. This concept can
be explained by a bucket with staves of varying lengths. Each stave represents a component
that is essential for the plant's life cycle. The capacity of this barrel is limited by the length of the
shortest stave (in this case, Boron) and can be increased only by increasing that stave.
It is extremely important to understand this concept. It comes in handy when a farmer has to
decide which nutrients to spend money on. The Law of the Minimum
Minim um takes on added importance
when fertilizer prices
pric es especially the BIG 3 (NPK) are high. This may tempt some of the farmers
to reduce or even eliminate applications of micronutrient or secondary nutrient fertilizers. But
Liebig's law explains clearly that if a soil is deficient in, say boron, yields will be depressed
regardless of how much NPK is applied. So, such a course of action does not make sense at any
time, but can be especially ill-considered
ill-conside red during periods of elevated price of NPK products.
S
N S
N D
E N SUITABLE D
N E N SUITABLE N
E N G E CONDITIONS
A
E N G E CONDITIONS
A
R
N O G R
R N O G B R
I O R YOF SOIL & ENVIRONMENT B
E I O R YOF SOIL & ENVIRONMENT
D E
R B X D
I R B X I T
O
L R
A D
Y O FOR GROWTH R
B A
T O
L R
A D
Y O FOR GROWTH R
B
A
W
H C H Y W
H H C H Y
H
C C
Boron is
M
limiting E
T S M
E U M U
T S U
M I A R M I
U S
U U S
A M R U
factor here
R O E N E
R
N E
T H I S E
T
O
H
U
I E
R
E N I P S M R E R D N
I S M R S D
B G N S S U E B G
P
N U E E Y A I U N N C Y A
N S S U C P
O
A N P L
O I O H N N L M H
T C N H O A I P O
M
A
I P
P O A N L P
C O P G
H
T R M O R
O L I Z O M
P L O R G Z O
L I A R U N
O A N C P C A C
P B U O S
C S A M
M
B
7
Soil Concepts
Minerals 45 %
8
Functions of Soil
Soil provides crops with :
Water and Nutrients
Physical support
A chemical and physical environment for roots to carry out their functions.
A habitat for microbes (which play an important role in Carbon and plant nutrient
nutri ent cycling)
SoiI Constituents
There are three main constituents of soil: sand, silt and clay.
Sand
9
Climate
10Determines
increase nature of weathering.
o
C increase in temperat
temperature
ure doubles
doubles
the rate of chemical reaction.
O Horizon : Organic
: Organic matter,
matt er, decomposed layer.
Occupies up to 25 cm of soil surface.
BEDROCK
10
Physical
Physical Properties of Soil
11
Chemical
Chemical Properties of Soil
pH : The Master
Mast er Variable
The degree of acidity or alkalinity in the soil is
expressed on the pH scale. pH ranges from
0-14, where 0-7 is acidic and 7-14 is alkaline.
Most plants and microbes are optimally
sustained between pH 5.5-7.5. pH is read on a
LOG SCALE.
Saline Soil
What Changes pH ?
Sodic Soil
12
Soil pH Chart
Optimal pH for plant and microorganism
microorgani sm growth is 6.5-7 as seen on the chart.
Our IMT colour-coded chart depicts the essential nutrients and their availability in the soil at
varying pH.
After studying the attached chart, the farmer must try to correlate his soil pH with the chart and
anticipate the nutrients which
wh ich are likely to fall short. A soil test will confirm the nutrients
nut rients that may
be limited due to soil pH being out of the optimal range.
13
NITROGEN
PHOSPHORUS
POTASSIUM
SULPHUR
CALCIUM
MAGNESIUM
IRON
MANGANESE
BORON
MOLYBDENUM
4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0
pH 4 TO 6 - pH 8.3 AND ABOVE -
USE LIME / DOLOMITE USE GYPSUM / MAGNESIUM SULPHATE
The availability of nutrients to plants is graphically represented by the thickness of the bar. As
As the
thickness of the bar increases, the availability
availabil ity of the nutrient also increases and vice-versa. The
ideal or optimal availability is represented by green bars. The orange bars represent marginal
availability. Red bars represent very little or no availability. Black bars represent the condition
under which the nutrient in question may be present but it will not be available to the plant due to
the absence of complimentary elements and other complex soil interactions.
Courtsey E. TRUOG, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN (U.S.A.)
COMPUTED & DESIGNED BY
SHRI S. N. RANADE
IMT TECHNOLOGIES
1-A, Kondhwa Khurd, Pune 411 048,LTD.
INDIA.
14
A SALINE soil
SALINE soil contains excessive soluble salts (chlorides
(chlorid es and sulfates) of Ca, Mg, Na and K.
Cation Exchange
Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Cation Exchange Capacity is defined as the ability of the soil to hold onto nutrients (positively
2+ 2+ + +
charg
charged
ed ion
ionss like-
like- Ca , Mg , K , NH4 ) and
and prev
preven entt them
them from
from leac
leachin
hing
g beyon
beyond d the
the roots
roots.. The
The
more cation exchange capacity a soil has, the more likely the soil will have a higher fertility level.
When combined with other measures of soil fertility,
fertil ity, CEC is a good indicator of soil quality and
productivity.
It is the amount of cations that can be held by 100g of soil units : 1 milliequivalent of charge per
100g of soil. CEC ranges from < 1 meq/100g in sandy soils low in OM to > 25 meq/100g in soils
high in certain types of clay or OM. Soil OM will develop a greater CEC at near-neutral pH than
under acidic conditions. Addition of organic matter will increase
incr ease a soil's CEC. Soil CEC may also
decrease with time through acidification and OM decomposition.
The CEC
ladder,
ladder Al also
, Al
3+ depends
is more on the
tightly streng
strength
bound
bound th ofclay
to the adsorption
particleofinthe
particle soilcations.
cati ons.isAccording
than to theK+
K+ and hence
K+ adsorption
is more
3+
readily available to plants
pl ants than Al
3+ 2+ 2+ + + +
Al > Ca > Mg > K = NH4 > Na
- - AI
3+
2+
Ca 2+
- AI
3+
- - Ca
- 2+
Clay Particle Soil Solution Clay Particle Mg
+
K Na
+
+
- - Mg
2+ +
- -K Soil Solution
H
- Na+ - - H+
-
16
16
Biomass of Soil
It is the measure of living material in the soil including
includin g microorganisms, insects, plants
plan ts and small
animals. It is important in determining
determ ining the potential organic matter content
conte nt in soils as well as the
soil health and tilth.
There are two key reasons for understanding the importance of this ratio.
1. The competition between microorganisms and plants increases when high C:N ratios
C:N ratios are
added to the soil. This leads to N deficiency in plants as explained in the graphic.
2. The ratio helps to determine the rate of decay of residues added to the soil and hence how
and when these nutrients will be available to plants.
C:N ratios of < 20-25 : 1 are generally preferred for organic matter additions.
Though used interchangeably there is a clear distinction between soil productivity and soil fertility.
Soil Productivity
Soil Fertility
It is the "inherent capacity" of the soil to support crop growth, i.e. through already present nutrient
reserves. It can be improved by:
Application of Organic Manures on a regular basis
Green Manuring
Lower inputs, such as cutting back on fertilizer rates, can lead to lower yields and profits
(Mitscherlich's Curve).
Optimum and balanced fertility helps ensure Maximum Economic
Economic Yield and lessens the effects
effects
of adverse weather, diseases and pests.
Other factors like good seed, chemicals,
chemicals, machinery or cultural practices will not profit a farmer if
he allows the fertility of his soil to run down.
18
SPI > 90 %
NO buildup of soil quality required BUT Maintenance of current
productivity necessary
I
n
HIGH VALUE CROPS LIKE HORTlCULTURAL CROPS AS WELL
c
AS VEGETA
VEGETABLESBLES CAN BE GROWN.
GROWN. r
e
a
SPI = 80-90 % s
i
n
MINOR buildup of soil quality required
g
HIGH VALUE CROPS
CANLIKE HORTICULTURAL CROPS
BE GROWN. n
u
t
SPI = 70-80 % r
i
e
MODEST buildup of soil quality required
HIGHER VALUE CROPS - VEGETABLES CAN BE GROWN. n
t
c
SPI = 60-70 % o
MODERATE buildup of soil n
t
quality required e
n
ONLY LOW VALUE CROPS LIKE t
CEREALS, PULSES, COTTON a
AND OIL SEEDS CAN BEBE n
d
GROWN SUSTAINABLY.
S
P
SPI < 60 % I
SUBSTANTIAL
build up of soil ONLY
quality LOW VALUE CROPS LIKE
* Very high soil nutrient status coupled with low cost of inputs enables the
the farmer to get higher
production.
** If the soil health remains poor and if the soil nutrient status remains very low,
low, in spite of
application of higher fertilizer doses, crop yields will not improve.
Even though the farmer wishes to have yields at the level of 85-90% of the genetic potential, in reality
he gets lower yields (50-55%). But by expecting the full 90% yield he applies heavy fertilizers.
Management and excessive use of nutrient inputs will neither boost yield nor reduce farm
expenditure.
Our system of FPRP (Fertilizer Programme Related to Production) is designed to make the farmer
understand that the soil has an important role to play in the release of nutrients. Crops grown on poor
soil will invariably produce lower yields. Lower yields in such a situation will not be boosted by simply
increasing the fertilizer inputs. If soil correction measures are instituted, the cost of input should be in
the range of 20-30% of the final yield income. It is prudent for a farmer to analyze his soil and make
the necessary changesI
changes I improvements to maximize his soil and crop potential.
The key lies in sustainable maintenance of soil health through rationalized fertilizer and
organic manure applications.
IMT TECHNOLOGIES
1-A, Kondhwa Khurd, Pune 411 048,LTD.
INDIA.
20
Exchangeable Zone
Small zone as well, availability of
nutrients depends on AEC/CEC
Major cations are usually available,
micronutrients and P, S are less
available.
into
them exchangeable
available. Usezone makes
of Boracol
increases the available nutrients in
this zone.
Weathering Zone
Zone
Large zone in which nutrients are
Rock Zone : not micronized. From a crop-
Largest zone of unavailable production stand point; this zone is
nutrients. The nutrients are in fixed not of any importance because
form and this zone is of no nutrients are in unavailable forms. It
importance for nutrient provision of takes many years for nutrients in
the current crops. this zone to reach the fixed /reverted
zone.
21
What is SOM?
Organic matter is anything that is living or was once alive. SOM includes plant and animal
remains in various stages of decomposition. Cells and tissues of soil organisms as well as
substances produced by the soil microbes constitute SOM. Humus is the stable portion of SOM
that is well decomposed. It comprises 60-80% of SOM. It is characterized by dark brown,
porous, spongy material with a pleasant, earthy smell. Humic material is composed of aromatic
and ring compounds like phenols and polyquinones. Due to their complex structure, they are
most resistant to microbial attack. All SOM contains Carbon as a key component. SOM contains
the principal reserve of N (90-95%), P and S compounds in the soil. It is a source of
polysaccharides that aid in soil aggregation.
aggregation . SOM provides 30-70% of soil CEC.
Inorganic Ash
5%
Nitrogen
5%
Carbon
50%
Oxygen
35%
Hydrogen
5%
Composition of SOM
Fresh OM is made up of three classes :
N-free Organic compounds : such as polysaccharides
polysaccharide s which enhance soil aggregation.
N-containing compounds : such as proteins.
Inorganic / Mineral constituents
constituen ts which make up a small percent of total OM.
22
Functions of SOM
forms.
Increases pH-buffering capacity of soils.
Its high negative charge helps prevent positively charged nutrients from leaching. Per equal
weight, humus has 30-40 times the negative charge of many types of clay and can
account for the major part of a soil's nutrient-holding ability. ln addition, negative charge
improves a soil's buffering capacity- its ability to resist changes in pH.
Humic acids attack soil minerals and release essential nutrients
nut rients into soluble pool.
Organic acids chelate minerals- thus nutrients become more available to plants.
Good aeration
fertilizati
fertilization,
on, irrigation.
Quality of Added Residues
C : N ratio of residues
Placement of residue - on / in soil
Percentage of lignins and polyphenols
Aerobic Decomposition
In the presence of Oxygen, organic matter
decomposes readily to gaseous forms like
CO2, Ammo
Ammonia,
nia, free N and
and H2O. Organi
Organic
c
matter disappears more rapidly in warm, dry
climate and under high temperatures.
Anaerobic Decomposition
Most of the decomposing organisms like
bacteria are aerobic; they need Oxygen to It is important to understand that the microbes
decompose material. In the absence of govern the process of decomposition.
Oxygen, the bacterial count reduces Conditions that allow for optimum growth of
dramatically and the decomposition process bacteria will assist in easy decomposition of
slows down considerably. Only some organic material.
anaerobic bacteria (whose concentration in
Decomposition proceeds with ease under
the soil is low) can perform the
aerobic condition, warm temperatures,
decomposition.
optimum moisture and optimum nutrients.
24
- -
Method Incorporate Incorporate Needs to be - -
of in soil in soil powdered
appli-
cation
N 10 10 4-10 13 3 2
P 1 2.5 4 0 20 25
K 1 0.5 1 0 0 0
25
Soil Water
The plant body is made up of 80% water. Water is an absolute requirement for two main
reasons.
BULK SOIL :
system
optimal to a sinkand
growth is the phloem,
yields by theit plant.
is imperative to maintain a healthy phloem transport system for
28
29
We have no control on the effect of environmental conditions and pest/insect interactions with
the crop and the genetic make - up of a species.
s pecies. The only factor that we can control
con trol is how we
take care of the crop system and what we do to maximize
maxim ize its inherent genetic potential.
potent ial. The way
to ensure this is to maximize crop immunity, which is attained from a well-balanced food suply.
Now is the time to talk about Balanced Plant Nutrition.
1. Vegetative Stage -
Vertic
Vertical
al growth, formation of roots, stems and N P K SECONDARY MICRO
leaves
2. Transition Stage - SECONDARY
Development of stems
girth of plant, bud and roots, increase in
differentiation N P
3. Reproductive Stage - N K
Formation of flowers, fruits and seeds,
P
development of lateral branches, girth reaches
a maximum
4. Pre-Maturity Stage -
Stage - N K SECONDARY MICRO
Slow growth, development of lateral branches,
maturity begins
5. Maturity Stage -
-
Leaf fall starts, ripening of end products,
K SECONDARY
growth ceases
Fe,Mo,
B, Mn,NiZn, Cu,
30
Amount
Nutrient Deficiency Function in plant Main function in Mobility found in
Element symptoms Plant Tissue in plant
Plant
Ca Chlorosis of bud- Important in the Major function is Immobile 1-4%
leaves followed by maintenance of cellular acting as
distortion of growing organization by regulators and
points. Terminal bud regulating permeability of carriers.
dies under severe cell membrane. Structural
deficiency.. In Cereals
deficiency component of
and Onions, leaves chromosomes. Acts as
show a hook like co-factor of numerous
appearance, leaves enzymes, especially
become spindly/ hydrolases.
thread like. In fruit
trees dieback of
growing tip is
observed.
Mg Pale yellow colour Constituent of Major function is Relatively 0.05-1%
starts developing in chlorophyll molecule acting as Mobile
between the veins (photosynthesis). regulators and
which later turns Component part of carriers.
chlorotic. Veins chromosomes,
remain green. In ribosomes (protein
Banana, symptoms synthesis). Helps in
starts appearing from Phosphate metabolism,
mid rib. plant respiration
activation of various
enzymes.
P N Mg Fe Mn
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS Fe
PEROXIDASE
mRNA
K Mo Cu CATALASE
ENZYMES
Mg
Zn N
P NUCLEUS P
Fe
RIBOSOMES P
T
S
A
L
Cu NUCLEOLUS Ca
Mg
HISTONES
P
O
R
Ca
O
L
H Ca A
B
C
N
D
N DNA LINKER
Mg
B
Fe
Mn Zn
D N
N A
P L A
C H
HL
L O
R
O RO
P
O P L
L A S T
T
P L
Cu S A T
K L
O C Y
A N
I S T P
P A
N
A
N A T D
P LAS AT O
OQ
Q U
UI I N
N O
O N
NE
E
CYTOPLASM W
F e
T
L
C u n
A R
Y L A S E
Y L
E
M E T S L
U B O X Y
R B E
Mg
E
E C R
A
O N
P D
C
M o R I O
X
I
T Zn
O
Fe M n O C H
H O
O N D
N D E H
M I T
P Y D R
O G E
H
P N A S
SE
A
N N
Mg Mn
I
X E
A T
TP
E
O
D M
O
R
Mn I D A S E
E
R
R H
C O X I
E O
PC o F T e
Y
C P u n
y, P
p y r
ri i g M I
I
T
T
O C
O
NADH
U L E
O E n o
e c h
o
l o g
C H V A C
gh
t
t I n
ns
s t
t i i t HO N
O N D D R n T
t
t u
ut
t e
e F o
or M RI I O
N
O N t r r i e
o n u
r o
ie
MM
c
i c
F o r
i c
c r
ro
n
o u
u t r
ri i e
en
n t
t
u
t u e F
t e
t T e
i
n s t i
ec
c h I n
hn
n o
l l o
og
y r
y ig h t
g
i
, P u
un
e
e C o p
35
The importance of Silicon in plant nutrition is interesting by itself, but our interest lies in the
recent studies regarding Silicon as an element that aids in fighting biotic and abiotic stress in a
plant system. It is the most abundantly found element after Oxygen. Grasses like Sugarcane
and Paddy have long been known as accumulators of Silicon.
Biotic Stress and Silicon :
A strong correlatio
correlation
n has been establish
established
ed between Silicon accumulat
accumulation
ion in leaves and
resistance to fungal attacks. At this point, Silicon's mode of action is not completely understood.
Nevertheless, preliminary
prelimi nary studies indicate that the function of Silicon could be twofold.
Silicon interacts with the pectins
pecti ns present in the cell wall of leaves, is preferentially deposited
deposi ted
at the site of infection and creates a physical barrier to the penetration of the microbe.
Silicon also stimulates the production of anti-fungal compounds like phenolics that halt the
infection process.
Al
Si,threpeated
ou gh mrice
an ycropping
ri ce -g rcan
ow ireduce
ng s oiSilicon
ls i ni levels
t ia l ly toc on
thet ai n sithat
point gn iSi
f i ca nt qu a ntbecomes
fertilization it i es of
beneficial for growth and disease resistance. Common Si fertilizers include Calcium Silicate
Slag
Sla g (CaAI
(CaAI2Si2O8), Calci
Calciumum Sili
Silicate
cate (CaS
(CaSiO
iO3) and
and Sodi
Sodium um Metas
Metasilica
ilicate
te (NaS
(NaSiO iO3).
There has been a considerable amount of work on the effects of Silicon on mineral toxicity.
Silicon restricts the Sodium uptake especially in plants growing under saline conditions. It works
by limiting the amount that is taken up by the shoot system by partial blockage of the
transpiration flow. Si nutrition reduced leaf apoplastic Manganese content suggesting that Si
modified the cation exchange properties of cell walls and hence reduced the toxic effect of high
Manganese content in soil. There have also been few reports suggesting that Si can ameliorate
amel iorate
the toxicity of various heavy metals. It appears
appea rs that co-precipitation in the cell walls
w alls may be the
mechanism involved in ameliorating
ameliorat ing the toxicity.
The element that has attracted the most attention from the view point of elemental toxicity
reduction by Silicon is Aluminium. AI toxicity in plants is a major problem, both
bot h for agriculture on
naturally acidic soils and for forest areas affected by acidic rain. It is known that at neutral pH,
Aluminium andand Silicon form
form hydroxyaluminosilic
hydroxyaluminosilicatesates (HAS). The formation
formation of HAS ties thethe AI
AI
molecules up and the AI is removed from the soil solution thus making huge amounts
unavailable to the plant. The formation of HAS at pH of 4.0 and below has been shown to be
negligible and formation gradually increases as pH increases to pH 5.0. It is important to note
that the mechanism of amelioration requires intact plant machinery and can not occur in cell
cultures. Once within
w ithin the plant, AI and Si form co-deposits.
co-deposit s. These Si / AI co-deposits are found in
the epidermis and transfusion tissue of a variety of plants. Such sequestration of toxic AI by
Si / AI code posits may be extremely beneficial to t o the plant system in avoiding the toxic effects of
AI.
36
Positive
Positive and Negative
Ne gative Nutrient Interactions
Just like humans require a balanced diet with appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins,
vitamins, minerals, fats and water, plants too require conditions of balanced plant
p lant nutrition. Every
plant, has a pre-determined ratio of nutrients that is required by it depending on its life cycle,
environment and its genotypic characteristics. In order to exploit this pre-determined ratio, we have
to understand the inter-relations between the elements. There are basically two kinds of
interactions : SYNERGISM (positive effect between nutrients)
nu trients) and ANTAGONISM
ANTAGONISM (negative effect
between nutrients).
These processes depend on soil type and physical properties, pH, ambient temperature, proportion
of participating nutrients, among other factors. Nutrient balancing between micronutrients is as
important but more difficult than balancing between macronutrients.
Synergism
OPTI
OPTIMU
MUM
M QUA
QUANT
NTIT
ITY
Y OF POSI
POSITI
TIVE
VE EF
EFFE
FECT
CT ON OT
OTHE
HER
R NUT
NUTRI
RIEN
ENTS
TS
Antagonism
What is BPN?
The focus of BPN is the plant system. Balanced Plant Nutrition is a well-rounded, integrated
approach to meet the nutritional needs of the crop and of humankind. It encompasses the
concepts of nutrient management based on crop type, soil
soi l type and stage of plant growth. Use
of BPN ensures proper ratios of essential nutrients and hence enables the plant to complete its
life cycle in the precise period. The concept of BPN does not stop at administering NPK but
also incorporates secondary nutrients and micronutrients.
micronutrients. This concept is not
revolutionary but a very poorly understood and practiced one.
Plants are very fastidious where uptake of nutrients is concerned and they preferentially
exclude or absorb nutrients based on the concentration of nutrients provided to them.
Therefore, any odd combination of nutrients is not going to do the trick of provide all 17 nutrients
in the appropriate ratios required by the plant. Hence, the stress on the word BALANCED!
BALANCED !
Why Employ BPN ?
and toxicities.
Maintains clean and productive soils.
Better utilization of N, P, K.
Renders the plant competent by increasing its immunity against stress and pest attack.
Maintains Vitality and Vigor of Crop Maintains Economic Viability of the Farmer
If all seventeen nutrients are provided to the crop Excessive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides
in the correct amounts and at the correct time, the are never put in the soils and hence input cost is
plant will maintain its vitality and vigor and yields
reduced.
are significantly increased. By supplying all nutrients in a balanced form,
A well-nourished crop has nutrients to activate
defense mechanisms and produce secondary quality and quantity of yields is increased.
metabolites to combat disease. Hence disease- By maximizing returns from inputs and avoiding
resistance/immunity is increased. unnecessary expenditures on wasted nutrients,
profit margins are improved.
Sustainable
Agriculture
through BPN
Maintains Productivity and Fertility of the Soils Prevents Malnutrition In Animals and Humans
BPN acknowledges the importance of organic Plant based foods, in theory
theory,, provide almost all the
matter in a crop nutrition program. A healthy soil is micronutrients essential for human growth and
the starting point for a healthy crop. development. However,
However, due to intensive cultivation
Fields high in organic matter have less soil
and mismanaged nutrient applications, most plant
erosion, retain water better and support good
foods do not contain the full complement of the
microbial population which are essential for the slow
release of bound nutrients in the soil profile. micronutrients in sufficiently concentrated amounts.
When excessive use of nutrients and pesticides is
If crops themselves do not receive comprehensive
eliminated, soils stay cleaner and more productive. nutrition, how is it possible for the plant part that we
Providing the plant with the appropriate nutrients consume to have all the nutrients that we need?
at the correct time in its life cycle prevents excessive Following a BPN regimen will ensure that crops
leaching losses into the soil. and humans are properly nourished.
39
combat attackthis
to overcome by other organisms.
handicap Plants
they have are nosophisticated
evolved different. Plants are immobile
mechanisms to organisms
counteract and
the
onslaught of diseases and pests. In this day of chemical warfare waged in our fields we fail to
acknowledge the inherent capacity of plants
plant s to fight their own battles.
Plants are not passive in the face of attack. They produce chemical metabolites termed as
secondary metabolites in response to pest attack. These are different from primary metabolites
(such as glucose). Secondary metabolites are waste products of metabolism,
metabolism , are toxic and are
produced only when a defense response is elicited. They are derived from the isoprenoid,
phenylpropanoid, alkaloid
alkaloi d or fatty acid / polyketide pathways and include products like tannins,
Nitrogen-based compounds (nicotine, morphine and cyanide), terpenoids, alkaloids and
phenolics (salicylic acid, lignin).
The interest of the pesticide industry in the manufacture of plant-pro
plant-produced
duced seconda
secondary ry
metabolites as pesticides has increased in the last few years. This is due to diminishing
returns with traditional pesticides, increased environmental and toxicological concerns
with synthetic pesticides and the high level of reliance of modern agriculture on
pesticides. However,
pesticides. However, the molecular complexity of identifying biologically active compounds,
the stability of compounds as well as their efficacy has made the development of natural
pesticides difficult. In addition, those pesticides, which have been developed on the lines of
natural plant compounds, often work differently in vivo and in vitro and hence may not effectively
protect the plant.
More often than not, nutritional problems are mistaken for diseases and are treated as
diseases.
Sometimes the cause of the disease is not the pest but is the nutritional disorder that made the
environment conducive for the pest to attack. Disease is a secondary response to poor
nutrition. Farmers need to be aware of the cause of the problem so that they can save
nutrition.
themselves from the futile and expensive endeavor of spraying
sprayi ng unnecessary chemicals.
40
When there is a shortage of a particular nutrient, the plant's inherent disease fighting capability
decreases.
Manganese,Why? Forand
Calcium secondary
Iron are metabolites production,
needed in optimal nutrients
amounts and iflike
not Boron,
present,Copper, Zinc,
the plant will
not be able to produce its natural defense metabolites.
Although toleranc
tolerance
e and resistan
resistance
ce are traits governed by the genetic code of the plant,
environmental factors weigh
wei gh in heavily on the expression of these traits. It is a well- documented
fact that the occurence of disease is related to poor nutritional status
stat us in the crop.
Optimal Nutritional
Status of Crop
Misdiagnosis!
The table below will list some nutritional deficiencies, which are sometimes
misdiagnosed as diseases.
Sr..
Sr Crops Diisease
D Deficiency
1 Citrus, Tomato, Eggplant Yellow Specks Mg
3 Cabbage, Cauliflower
Cauliflower,, Heart Rot, Root Rot, Ca, B
Ginger, Turmeric, Citrus Hard Fruits, Stem Rot,
Hollow Stem, Browning
We believe that the solution to a plant problem isi s not necessarily a new chemical or excessive
exce ssive
use of one, but is as simple as good crop nutrition.
42
Deficiencies
the methodsare observed on allthese
of understanding kinds deficiencies
of crops - horticultural,
is to observevegetables, cereals, etc. One
their manifestations of
on the
leaves of the plant. This visual method of recognizing nutrient deficiency symptoms is a quick
and easy way of determining the nutrient status of the plant and is the first step in remedying any
malady in the plant system.
Yardsticks
Yardsticks Showing Symptoms Indicating Micronutrient Deficiencies
Seed germination is poor and mortality rate is high
Poorly developed crop stands and abnormal mortality
Severe stunting of the crop
Top leaves yellowing I top chlorosis
At prescribed NPK application, the yield is poor and it becomes necessary to re-apply more N
Yields do not improve with high doses of NPK, or if yield improves quality is poor
Lower Leaves
Chlorosis No Chlorosis
P
With Necrosis No Necrosis
K, Mo, Zn Mg, N
From Tip and Edges Generalized
K
lnter - veinal Generalized
Mg N
lnterveinal Random
Mo Zn
Upper Leaves
Chlorosis with Chlorosis with veins
dominant veins NOT dominant
Fe, Mn Cu, S
veins
Primary Primary,
Primary, Secondary &
Smaller erect and
Leaf normal sized,
dominant Tertiary veins dominant light green leaf drooping, rosetting
Fe Mn S Cu
Bud Leaves
Tip dying, whip like Tip is chlorotic,
appearance, Chlorosis hook like appearance,
begins from base chlorosis at tip and base
B Ca
44
BORON CALCIUM
Terminal leaves loose Plant remains dark green,
colour. Loss of colour young bud leaves turn
starts at the base with chlorotic. Tip is chlorotic,
eventual death of the hook like in appearance.
terminal bud. Eventual death of terminal
bud.
SULPHUR
Leaf is light green, veins IRON
are pale. No necrotic Chlorisis with no spots.
spots. Main veins are typically
green.
MANGANESE
Leaf turns chlorotic. All the COPPER
venation remains green,
I nt er veinal chlor osis.
giving the leaf a classic
checkered appearance. Rosetting and permanent
wilting of leaves. Leaf
detaches easily from stem.
ZINC
Leaf is narrow and small. MOLYBDENUM
Lamina is often chlorotic, Leaf turns a light green.
veins remain green. Dead necrotic spots appear
Necrotic spots develop over the leaf except on the
randomly all over the leaf. veins. Affected areas may
extrude a resinous
substance from the under
surface of leaf.
MAGNESIUM POTASSIUM
Chlorosis starts from the Leaves are chlorotic.
tip and margins and Necrotic spots appear of
extends through the entire tips and margins giving the
leaf. The veins remain leaf "rusty" look. Margins
green. Cupping noticed and tips may exhibit
under tips and margins. crimping and dupping.
The leaf will detach easily
from the stem.
PHOSPHORUS NITROGEN
Dwarf and abnormally Dwarf and abnormally light
dark green plant. Leaf is green plant. Leaf is erect
er ect and unusually and light green to yellow.
narrow. Bronzing occurs Firing observed in acute
on the lower surface of conditions.
leaf.
Temperature Chart
C hart
Every plant has its own temperature range in Temperature
Range Effects
which it can grow and reproduce effectively.
The temperature of the environment as well Below Plasma membrane breakage due
as the microenvironment is important to freezing to freezing and thawing
O
consider. By microenvironment, we refer to (<0 C) mechanisms.
Dehydration of plant.
the internal temperature in the plant system.
Concentration of toxic solutes
An optimal microclimate temperature
increase to a point where plant can
range for most crops is 16°-24°C.
die.
However, this temperature is impossible to
attain continuously under field conditions O
0 - 12 C
O Very low vegetative and
a nd reproductive
and under tropical climatic conditions. growth because of,
Limitations on nutrient uptake
Temperature affects the following
Reduced water uptake, thus
physiological processes; indirect
Root development water stress.
Photoinhibition of Photosynthesis
Uptake of water by roots Respiratory machinery becomes
Cell division O
Reproductive and Vegetative growth
12 C -
Development and turgor of cells and cell O
25 C is marginal to moderate depending
integrity on species and TKW
The state in which plant water is
i s present in 25 C -
O
Most nutrients are available and most
the cell-gas (vapour), liquid, solid (ice) O
35 C plants
plants have their
their TKW in this
this range.
range. C4
Chemical interactions in cell plants like Maize, Sugarcane can
tolerate much higher temperatures
Thermal Kinetic Window (TKW) due to differences in plant genetics
TKW : the range of temperatures for fo r a plant and metabolic pathways.
in which the affinity of an enzyme for its O
35 C - Very low vegetative and reproductive
substrate is not less than 50% of its O
50 C growth because of :
maximum affinity. The TKW is species species
dependent and is based on enzyme
dependent Protein and enzyme instability
Increased membrane permeability
kinetics and temperature at which the
thus looses the selectively
etiolated leaves start to green. All leaves will
permeable characteristic.
try to maintain their internal temperatures Influences partition of
within the TKW as far as possible. In carbohydrates into developing seeds,
addition, every growth stage requires thus limited
different temperatures.
temperatures. In the northern reproductive development.
and southern hemispheres, plants can Chlorosis of leaves, since
easily go through their life cycle at sub-zero chlorophyll enzyme degraded.
temperatures, while tropical plants can grow PHOTOSYNTHESIS SHUTS
only under 25°-35°C temperatures. DOWN!
46
o
50
0 0 C and
and below
below :
Cell contents are in frozen state
45
0 thereby causing death of the plant.
o o
0 C to 10 C :
40
0
Slow cell functioning and low nutrient
uptake is seen, resulting in slow
C 0
vegetative and meagre reproductive
o 35
ni
growth.
o o
e 10 C to 16 C :
g 30
0
0
Reduction in nutrient uptake, slowing
5
0
down of vegetative & reproductive
0
growth.
o o
Green - Increasing Uptake 43 C to 50 C :
Very low or negligible uptake of
Orange - Steady Uptake
nutrients, denaturing of protein,
Red - Low I Decreasing Uptake resulting in the death of the plant.
Violet - Very Low I Negligible Uptake
O O O O O O O O O O O
32 41 50 59
59 68 77 86
86 95 104 113 122
O
F
1975
COMPUTED & DESIGNED BY
s
t Shri S. N. Ranade
n
a
l
P COPYRIGHT WITH
y IMT TECHNILOGIES LTD.
b
s
t
n
e
i PUBLISHED & ISSUED BY :
r
t
u
N
e
h
t
f
o IMT TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
e 1-A, Kondhwa Khurd, Pune 411 048, INDIA.
k
a
t
p
U
O
C0 5 7.5 10 15 16 20 24 25 28 30 33 35 40 43 45 50
o
Temperat
emperature
ure Range in C
47
Removal of Nutrients by
Weeds
Similar to any other crop, weeds
also take up their share of
nutrients from the soil. Because
they are so fast growing and
have such high reproductive
rates they tend to compete
heavily with the crop of concern.
Addition of Commercial
Fertilizers
This is the most efficient
way of providing nutrients to
soil. Depending on their
composition, they are
classified as simple or
compound.
It consists
usually of growing
legumes and crops,
then Animal
applied toand plant
supply refuse
nutrients are
to soil.
ploughing them under to However, organic manures will
incorporate them in the soil only improve soil condition and
before flowering. not do much in meeting the
Methods of immediate needs of the crop at
Supplying hand.
Nutrients to
Soil
Commercial Fertilizers
Macronutrient Fertilizers
Commercial Fertilizers
Fertil izers are classified according to the presence of N, P and K.
Simple Fertilizers : Contains one
Compound Fertilizers : Contains two or more
Complete Fertilizers : Contains all three
AMIDE Urea
Urea - CO(NH
CO(NH2)2 46 Conversion of Urea into Nitrate and
FORM Ammonia forms takes a week. Can be
used as foliar spray over crop canopy.
Acidic in residual effect.
50
Amount of Type of soils
Sources of Phosphorus P2O5 (%) to be used in
Single Super Phosphate (SSP) 16-20
Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) 46
Basic soils
Monoammonium Phosphate 52
Diammonium Phosphate 46
Mono Potassium Phosphate 50
Basic Slag 18
Acidic Soils
Dicalcium Phosphate 34-39
Muriate of Potash 60
Sulphate of Potash 50
Potassium Nitrate 45
51
Excess
growth and Calcium
result(Ca) may inhibit
in deficiency plant
of other Sources of Calcium % of Ca
Dolomite 22
elements such as Boron (B), Iron (Fe),
Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu) or Zinc Calcite 30
(Zn). Surplus Calcium reduces availability Calcium Sulfate 22
of Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg).
Triple Super Phosphate 13
Periodically monitor the level of Calcium in
irrigation water through chemical analysis. Calcium Nitrate 19
Calcium should be incorporated into the Gypsum 21
soil prior to planting.
Calcium Carbonate 30
The Magnesium content of liming and
A chelate (Greek Chelae, claws) is an organic compound in which two or more atoms are
capable of bonding to the same metal atom, thus forming a ring. The organic molecule is termed
as a LIGAND. These organic molecules
molecul es may be synthesized by the roots and exuded into int o soil,
may be present in SOM or may be synthetically
synthetical ly produced. In such a complex form; the
t he cations
are protected from reactions with inorganic soil components and thus are made available for
plant uptake.
EDTA
EDTA - Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid
HEDTA - Hydroxyethylene Diaminetriace
Diaminetriacetic
tic Acid
DTPA
DTPA - Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid
EDDHA - Ethylene Diamine di (O-Hydroxyphenyl Acetic Acid)
NT A - Nitrilotriacetic
Nitrilotria cetic Acid.
+
Synthetic chelating
chelating agents are essentially
essentially Organic Acids, which by losing an H atom from their
COOH moiety become negatively charged, thus being capable of binding to a positive charge
molecule. The stability constant of chelating
chelat ing agents is higher for Iron than for Zinc indicating that
Iron Chelates are more stable
stab le than Zinc Chelates. However,
How ever, this does not mean that chelates of
other cations are ineffective.
ineffecti ve. Apparently,
Apparently, replacement of cations by Iron
I ron from soil is sufficiently
sufficient ly
slow to permit absorption of the cation by plants. Chelates are used primarily to ameliorate
micronutrient deficiencies in long duration fruit crops. However, chelates are expensive. Other
economical options for using chelates involve using compounds like Gluconate and Citrate,
which are naturally exuded from roots.
53
Relying on our experience of fifty odd years in this field, we feel that a balanced formulation
55
56