Chemical Fertilizers as a component of INM in grape

1. Chemical Fertilizers as a component of INM in grape Grapevine removes an appreciable amount of nutrients from soil. It has been estimated that an average crop of grape removes 40-60 kg N, 10-15 kg P and 50-70 kg K from the soil. The demand can be meet out with the application of manures and fertilizers because soil of India are generally poor in fertility and low in organic matter. Among major nutrients, N deficiency is universal. For better nutrient use efficiency, source of nutrients, time of application, methods of application and doses of fertilizers/ nutrients are important.

2. Chemical fertilizers have been the key elements in enhancing the fruit production in India. Fertilizer is the macro-micro nutrients carrier which when applied judiciously to soil or foliage meets the nutrient need of the crop. It implies high fertilizer management such as split application, efficient timing and proper placement etc need to be adopted. From the point of view of environmental protection the word judicious is very relevant in the in nutrient management. It implies high fertilizer management such as split application, efficient timing and proper placement etc need to be adopted. Thus it is important to have an idea about source of nutrient, methods and time of application and placement of fertilizers for better nutrient use efficiency.

3. Objective After completing this lesson, you will be able to : Explain the different sources, doses, time and methods of application of nutrients required for chemical fertilization in grape.

4. Sources of nitrogen Urea

5. Sources of phosphorous Single Super phosphate

6. Source of potassium

7. Mix fertilizers used as NPK source

8. Sources of micronutrient

9. Doses of nutrients for five years and old vine yard

10. Concentrations of micronutrients for folia spray Micronutrients should be sprayed at bloom and pre-bloom stage

11. Factor for calculating quantity of different fertilizers

12. Time of application • Newly planted vines: April and June Bearing orchard: apply half quantity of nitrogen and potash and full quantity of phosphorous just after pruning. Remaining nitrogen and potash must be applied after fruit set

13. Fertilizer application method In addition to source of nutrients, time of application and doses, the method of fertilizer application is also important in nutrient management Fertilizers must be applied at a distance of 30 cm from the tree trunk to drip line in grapevine during first year. In the subsequent years, these are applied in the 15 cm deep furrow opened in the rectangular or square plot made around the vines and then covered with soil from the alternate ridges.

14. Fertilizer application method After broad casting, fertilizers should be incorporated thoroughly to the soil by cultivating the top soil. Care should be taken not to damage the roots. Urea must only be applied when the soils are moist otherwise trees must be irrigated immediately after urea application.