8

Integrated Nutrient
Management

Introduction
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) refers to the
combined use of organic, inorganic and bio-fertilisers,
and inclusion of blue green algae or azolla, etc., to meet
the nutritional requirements of a crop. It also includes
different sources of nutrient supplementation to create
a conducive environment for soil conditioning in order
to build soil fertility. The carbon and nitrogen ratio
(C:N ratio) of the soil is maintained under INM, which
in turn provides highly favourable conditions for crop
performance.

Session 1: Soil Sampling and Analysis

Paddy plant takes relatively small amounts of nutrients
in the early stages of growth but the quantity intake
increases as the plant grows. However, as the plant
grows, the daily nutrient intake increases. So, there is
a need to provide adequate nutrients to a plant during
its developing stages. It is, therefore, necessary to check
the nutrient status of soil every year or at an interval of
two to three years. This will help in:
• avoiding indiscriminate use of fertilisers (which
can be expensive, as well as, wasteful) and
ensuring environmental safety.
• maintaining and restoring soil fertility to ensure
crop productivity, profitability and sustainability.
 To know the status of various nutrients, soil fertility
level, pH, etc., by soil testing, it is important to know
the fertility status and physical properties of the soil.
This will enable maximum production and rational soil
management. A soil test programme consists of three
basic steps.
• Soil sampling
• Soil sample analysis
• Soil test interpretation

Purposes of soil testing

• It helps evaluate and improve soil productivity.
• It determines the nature of the soil, i.e., alkalinity,
salinity or acidic.
• It helps make appropriate use of fertilisers.
• It reveals the condition of soil so that it can be
improved with the application of necessary nutrients
and implementing other management practices.

Soil sampling
Soil tests and their interpretations are
based on the collection of soil samples,
and their analysis. Therefore, the samples
must be collected in a zigzag pattern
from various points, which represent the
whole field. To obtain right information
about the nutrient status of the soil, it is Fig 8.1: Hand auger to draw soil sample
important to follow the correct procedure
of soil sampling.
Before sampling information about the cropping
pattern, various management practices being followed
in the field, variation along with direction of the slope,
soil colour and texture need to be noted. Then, the field
from where the samples have to be collected must be
divided into sections according to variations in slope
and texture, and separate samples need to be collected
from each section by using sampling tools like hand
auger (Fig. 8.1). Soil samples can also be collected with
the help of a spade or khurpi by giving a slanting cut
to the soil at up to 15 cm depth, creating a 15-cm wide
V–notch (triangular/V–shape cut, Fig. 8.2).
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 The samples must be collected from
plough depth, i.e., 15 cm for normal
agronomic crops and from deeper zones,
i.e., 15–30 cm for deep-rooted crops at
different spots, and then, all are mixed
Fig. 8.2: Soil sampling by V-notch method
thoroughly. This composite soil sample is
then spread on a clean sheet. It is divided
into four equal parts. Two opposite quarters are rejected
and the samples from the other two are mixed. To obtain
the desired size of the sample (500 g), the procedure is
repeated. Before sending the sample to a laboratory, it
must be dried and put into plastic bags. The sample
bags must be labelled and sent to the nearest soil testing
laboratory along with an information sheet, containing
the following information.
• Name and address of the farmer
• Identification or number of the field
• Date of sampling
• Local name of the soil, if any
• Colour of the soil (dry or moist)
• Type of land (unirrigated, irrigated or waterlogged)
• Source of irrigation (canal, well or tank)
• Depth of sampling
• Topography (level, sloppy or undulated)
• Crop rotation followed
• Previous crop
• Next crop to be taken
• Details of manures or soil amendments applied
earlier to the soil
• Other remarks
The help of a village level or extension worker can
be taken to collect the soil samples and in filling the
information sheet.

Soil analysis
This is done primarily to check NPK (Nitrogen,
Phosphorous and Potassium) content, organic carbon
content, electrical conductivity and pH level. It is mainly
done in cases, where the crop has shown deficiency
symptoms of micronutrients. The collected samples
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 are analysed by using standardised method in the Notes
laboratory for the following parameters.
• pH: It indicates whether the soil is acidic,
alkaline or neutral in nature.
• Total soluble salts as determined by
electrical conductivity (EC) indicates the
degree of salinity, alkalinity, etc., of the soil.
• It also helps in ascertaining the soil’s lime
and gypsum requirement.
• It also helps in finding out the level of
organic carbon, which is a measure of
nitrogen available in the soil.
• It helps in ascertaining phosphorus and
potassium content in the soil.

Soil test interpretations

On the basis of the soil analysis report, one can identify
various deficient nutrients with the help of rating
charts. The data obtained from soil analysis would be
meaningless unless it is correlated with the crop yield,
so the report provides this information also. Based on
the soil analysis, the data can be interpreted with the
help of ratings as given in the following tables.
Table 8.1: Rating of soil on the basis of pH

S. No. Type of soil Soil reaction (pH)

1. Acidic Less than 6

2. Normal to saline 6–8.5

3. Tending to become alkaline 8.6–9

4. Alkaline More than 9

Table 8.2: Rating of soil on the basis of

Electrical Conductivity (EC)

S. No. Category EC (dS/m)

1. Normal Less than 1

2. Critical for germination 1–2

3. Critical salt levels for growth 2–4

of sensitive crops
4. Injurious to most crops More than 4

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 Notes On the basis of the soil test interpretations, fertiliser
recommendations for each crop may be made. The soil
fertility status as per its classification into three strata
(low, medium or high) is also provided. An example of
this ‘rating chart’ is shown in Table 8.3
Table 8.3: Rating on the basis of nutrient availability

S. No. Nutrient Low Medium High

1. Organic carbon Less than 0.5–0.75% More than

0.5% 0.75%
2. Available Less than 280–560 More than
nitrogen (N) 280 kg/ha kg/ha 560 kg/ha
3. Available Less than 10–25 kg/ More than
phosphorus (P) 10 kg/ha ha 25 kg/ha
4. Available Less than 110–280 More than
potassium (K) 110 kg/ha kg/ha 280 kg/ha

Practical Exercise
Activity
Demonstrate the procedure of soil sampling.

Material required: hand auger, test tube, spade, cultivated

field, paper bag, polythene bag and tag

Procedure
• Divide the field into different homogenous units, according
to fertility levels.
• Remove weeds, roots, etc., at the sampling spot.
• Take samples from a depth of up to 15 cm with the help of
auger, spade or khurpi.
• From each sampling unit, collect at least 10 samples.
• Remove all foreign material and mix the samples evenly.
• Divide the collected samples into four equal parts.
• The two opposite quarters are removed and remaining
samples from two other parts are mixed. The process is
repeated until the desired sample size is obtained.
• Dry the moist sample.
• Collect the prepared sample in a sampling bag.
• Label the bag with following information, i.e., name
and address of the farmer, date of collection, previous
and present crop record, crop to be grown in the next
season, etc.

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 Check Your Progress Notes
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. For deep-rooted crops, soil samples must be collected
from ___________ cm deep zone.
2. The desired size of the sample for soil testing is
_______________.
3. Collect the soil sample in a ______________ pattern to
represent the whole field.
4. The pH of alkaline soil is ____________.

B. Multiple Choice Questions

1. The available nitrogen status in soil is considered low at
__________ level.
(a) less than 240 kg/ha (b) 240–380 kg/h
(c) 380–480 kg/ha (d) 480–580 kg/ha
2. The available potassium status in soil is considered high
at ____________ kg/ha.
(a) Less than 100 kg/ha (b) Less than 110 kg/ha
(c) 110–280 kg/ha (d) More than 280 kg/ha
3. Soil is injurious to most crops if EC (milli mohs/cm)
is _____________.
(a) > 2 (b) > 3 (c) > 4 (d) > 5

C. Match the Columns

A B

1. INM (a) Electrical Conductivity

2. V–notch (b) Soil sampling

3. dS/m (c) Use of organic, inorganic and bio-fertilisers

4. Auger (d) Triangular vertical cut

D. Subjective Questions
1. Define soil sampling.
2. Write the procedure of soil conducting sampling.

Session 2: Nutrient Requirement

and its Sources

Essential nutrients required by plants

Plants require food for growth and development. A large
number of nutrients are absorbed by plants from soil,
air and water. Seventeen elements are essential for the
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 Notes growth and development of plants. The criteria to judge
the essentiality of an element are as follows.
• Deficiency of a particular nutrient makes it
difficult for the plant to complete its vegetative or
reproductive life cycle.
• Deficiency of a specific nutrient can be corrected
by providing that particular element to the plant.
• The nutrients are directly involved in the plant’s
metabolic activities.

Macro nutrients
Primary nutrients
Out of the 17 essential nutrients, nitrogen (N),
phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) are called
the primary nutrients because plants need them in
large quantities.
Secondary nutrients
Magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and sulphur (S) are
the secondary nutrients as they are required in
moderate quantities.

Micronutrients
Manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), copper
(Cu), chlorine (Cl), molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni) are
micronutrients, and are required in small quantities.
Carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) are obtained
from air and water. But all these nutrients, irrespective
of the class to which they belong, are essential for
plant life. Deficiency or excess of any nutrient limits
plant growth.

Sources of nutrients
Plants meet their nutrient requirements from different
sources like fertilisers, manures, plant residues and
bio-fertilisers. Non-proportional and inappropriate use
of fertilisers can damage crops, waste money, possibly
lead to dependence of the plants on chemical inputs
and deterioration of soil health. Natural biomass can
also serve as a source of nutrient for crop plants and
can be used after appropriate treatment or conversion,
and in some cases even in raw form.
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 Organic sources
The decomposed remains of plants and animals are used
as organic manure for growing plants. Legume plants
are used for either green manuring or making enriched
composts for recycling of nutrients. Nitrogen fixing
bacteria, blue-green algae and solubilising bacteria can
serve as organic sources of nutrient supplementation.
Organic sources of nutrients are organic manures,
green manuring, bio-fertilisers, etc.
Organic manure
Organic manures supply nutrients
in a balanced proportion. Usually,
large quantities of organic
manures are required to meet
the crop nutrient requirement.
Organic manures include FYM,
vermicompost, poultry manure,
biogas slurry, etc. These manures
are applied to the soil by spreading
or broadcasting before sowing or
transplanting paddy. Fig. 8.3: Organic manure

Green manuring
Growing and incorporation of tender biomass of
legume crops in soil is known as ‘green manuring’.
These crop plants fix atmospheric nitrogen, and after
decomposition and incorporation, release this nitrogen
into the soil, which helps improve its physical and
biological properties.
Table 8.4: Green manure crops
Green
Seed rate
Green manure crops biomass (t/
(kg/ha)
ha)
Sithagathi (Sesbania speciosa) 30–40 15–18
Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) 50 25
Manila agathi (Sesbania rostrata) 40 20
Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) 25–35 13–15
Wild indigo (Tephrosiapurpurea) 15–20 6–7

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 Green manuring in paddy crop
Sow sunnhemp or dhaincha (green manure
crop) seeds at the rate of 20kg/ha during
summer. The biomass is incorporated
into the soil after 40 days of sowing and
allowed to decompose in situ (on site). This
decomposes easily in 10–15 days, after
which paddy can be grown in the field. If
it is not possible to grow green manuring
crop in the field, incorporate the already
decomposed green leaves of different
Fig. 8.4: Green manuring crop
Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea)
plants (neem, pongamia, ipomea, etc.) at
2–3 t/ha, which serves the same purpose
as green manure crop. It adds nitrogen
and humus to maintain the soil health.
Bio-fertiliser
Bio-fertilisers are eco-friendly and are
ready to use live formulations, containing
strains of beneficial microorganisms. These
microorganisms on application to seed,
root or soil help enhance the availability
of essential nutrients to the crop and also
help build beneficial micro-flora in the soil,
Fig. 8.5: Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeate) thereby, improving the soil health. They
are an integral part of INM, which helps in
meeting the nutrient requirement of the plant
at low cost. Bio-fertilisers that can be used for
paddy crop include azolla, blue-green algae,
azotobacter, azospirillum, phosphobacteria,
phosphate solubilisers and mycorrhizae.
Bio-fertiliser application
Bio-fertilisers are available as carrier-based
inoculants. The common filler material used
as a carrier include peat or lignite. These
bacterial inoculants are, usually, applied
for seed treatment. Sometimes, these
Fig. 8.6: Bio-fertiliser (Azolla) bio-fertilisers are applied as seedling root
dip or directly for field application.
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 Table 8.5 Quantity of bio-fertilisers required per hectare Notes
Method of application Number of packets (200g/ha)

Seed treatment 5

Nursery application 10

Seedling dip 5

Main field (soil application) 10

Inorganic sources
Inorganic fertilisers are chemical compounds (either
synthesised or natural) that are added to the soil to
improve its fertility on an immediate basis. These
fertilisers are economical, quick responding and provide
the required nutrient element that can increase the crop
yield, thereby, resulting in significant profits. As per their
chemical composition, these fertilisers may contain one
or more nutrient element. A fertiliser, which contains
only one of the primary nutrient elements, is called ‘single
element’ or ‘sole fertiliser’, for example N, P and K.
Some fertilisers contain a combination of primary
nutrient elements (N and P, N and K, or P and K) and
are known as ‘complex’ or ‘mixed fertilisers’. Those
containing N, P and K are called ‘complete fertilisers’.
The nutrient content of fertilisers is expressed in
per cent. Thus, the total weight of fertilisers does
not reflect the quantity of nutrients it contains. For
example, a 100-kg bag of Diammonium phosphate (18%
N and 46% P) contains 18 kg of N and 46 kg of P, and
remaining 36 kg of inert material; 100-kg bag of urea
(46% N) contains 46 kg N and 54 kg inert material.

Sources of micronutrient fertilisers

Out of 17 essential nutrients, iron, molybdenum,
manganese, zinc, chlorine and sulphates of copper are
required for plant growth in small quantities and are
known as micronutrients. Micronutrients like sulphates
of copper, iron, manganese and zinc are soluble in water,
and can be easily applied through foliar application or
along with irrigation water.
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 Notes Table 8.6: Sources of micronutrient fertilisers

S. No. Fertiliser source Nutrient content

(%)
1. Manganese sulphate Mn– 30.5

2. Boric acid B – 17

3. Ferrous sulphate Fe – 19

4. Ammonium molybdate Mo – 52

5. Chelated zinc Zn-EDTA Zn – 12

(Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid)
6. Chelated Fe-EDTA Fe – 12

7. Zinc sulphate monohydrate Zn – 33

8. Zinc coated urea N – 43 + Zn – 2

Practical Exercise
Activity 1
Identify organic and inorganic sources of fertilisers.

Material required: FYM, compost, vermicompost, poultry

manure, blue-green algae, azolla, PSB, azotobacter, neem cake,
chemical fertilisers (NPK), notebook, pen, etc.

Procedure
• Collect the above mentioned organic and inorganic
fertilisers sources and label them.
• Write down the characteristics of each fertiliser.

Activity 2
Visit a nearby field and note down the process of green manuring
being followed there.

Material required: pen, pencil, notebook, etc.

Procedure
• Visit a nearby field.
• Identify the green manure crop being used there.
• Discuss with the farmer and note down the seed rate, and
sowing method of green manure crop.
• Note down the age of the green manure crop.
• Observe and note down the process of green manuring.
• Present your observations before the class.

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 Check Your Progress Notes
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. Only _________ elements are essential for plant nutrition.
2. Elements that are used in relatively large amounts are
called ___________ nutrients.
3. Seed rate of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) for green
manuring is ______________.
4. Growing and incorporation of tender biomass of legume
species into the soil is known as _____________ manuring.
5. Micronutrients can be applied readily through _________
application.

B. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Ca, Mg and S are called __________.
(a) primary nutrients (b) secondary nutrients
(c) micronutrients (d) None of the above
2. A 100-kg bag of Diammonium phosphate contains
_____________.
(a) 18 kg P (b) 46 kg P
(c) 80 kg P (d) 120 kg P
3. Bio-fertiliser that can be used for rice crop includes
_____________.
(a) azolla (b) phosphobacteria
(c) azospirillum (d) All of the above
4. The botanical name of sunnhemp is _____________.
(a) Crotalaria juncea (b) Tephrosiapurpurea
(c) Sesbania aculeate (d) Sesbania speciosa
5. Chelated Fe-EDTA contains ___________ per cent of Fe.
(a) 8 (b)12 (c) 18 (d) 22
6. Zinc coated urea contains _____________ per cent of N.
(a) 52 (b) 33 (c) 46 (d)43

C. Match the Columns

A B

1. Sunnhemp seed rate kg/ha (a) 46% nitrogen

2. Dhaincha green biomass (b) 36 kg

3. 100-kg urea bag contains (c) 25–35 kg

4. Inert material in 100-kg DAP (d) 25 t/ha

D. Subjective Questions
1. Write a brief note on essential nutrients required
by plants.
2. Describe the methods of bio-fertiliser application.

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 Notes 3. Differentiate between the following.
(a) Macronutrient and micronutrient
(b) Primary and secondary nutrients
4. Define the following.
(a) Organic manure
(b) Bio-fertiliser
(c) Green manuring

Session 3: Methods and Time of

Fertiliser Application
Fertiliser application
The nutrient requirement of every plant is different. It
also depends on the type of soil a plant is grown in and
the climatic conditions of the area. Besides, the nutrient
requirement of a crop differs at different stages of
growth. Therefore, there must be timely and adequate
application of manures and fertilisers. Response of
fertilisers and manures differ as per the types of soil.
Considerations for fertiliser use
• Nutrient content in manures and fertilisers
• Nutrient requirement of a particular
crop to be grown
• Timing and methods of manure and
fertiliser application
• Residual effects of manures and fertilisers
on succeeding crop
• Response of crop after fertiliser application
• Cost of fertilisers

Objectives of fertiliser application

Various methods are used for fertiliser application. The
application of fertilisers fulfills the following objectives.
• Makes easy availability of fertilisers to crops
• Minimises fertiliser loss
Application of solid fertilisers
Broadcasting
In this method, manures or fertilisers are spread
uniformly by hand all over the field. It can be done
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 before and during transplanting or in standing crop. Notes
Broadcasting is two types.
• Basal application at the time of sowing
• Top dressing during crop growth period

Placement
In this method, fertilisers are added to the soil near
the seed, seedling or growing plant before or after the
sowing of crops. It includes the following.
Plough furrow or single placement
It refers to the application of fertiliser in narrow bands
beneath and by the side of crop row or furrow. This is
done during the process of ploughing. In this method,
fertiliser is applied in moist soil, where it can become
easily available to the growing plants during dry seasons.

Deep or sub-surface placement

Placement of fertiliser is, generally, practised for the
application of nitrogenous (Ammonium sulphate and
urea) and phosphatic fertilisers. Such fertilisers are
placed near the root zone as in case of paddy fields.

Localised placement
In this method, fertiliser is applied the soil close to the
seed or plant. This method is suitable when relatively
small amount of fertilisers are to be applied.

Pellet application
In this method, nitrogenous fertiliser is placed in
the form of a pellet at a depth of 2.5–5 cm between
rows of plants. These pellets are prepared by
mixing one part of fertiliser and 10 part of soil
(1:10 ratio). Application of fertilisers by this method
improves nitrogen use efficiency in paddy crops.

Application of liquid fertilisers

Foliar application
Dilute solution of fertilisers is sprayed on the foliage
of growing plants. Minor nutrients like zinc, boron,
iron, copper and manganese are effectively applied by
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 Notes this method. However, if required, major nutrients can
also be applied as foliar sprays. Leaf scorching occurs
due to uncontrolled concentration of solution during
foliar spray.
Fertigation
In this method, fertilisers are applied through irrigation
water. Nitrogen is the principle nutrient commonly used
for this purpose. Also, highly soluble forms of zinc can
be readily applied in this way.

Stages of fertiliser application

For obtaining maximum benefits, fertilisers need to be
applied to the soil at three stages of the crop cycle.
Basal application
Application of fertilisers before sowing or transplanting
is referred to as ‘basal application’. Fertilisers may be
broadcast or mixed in the soil at the time of puddling to
ensure adequate supply of nutrients during the critical
seedling establishment phase.
First top dressing
Fertilisers must be top dressed by broadcasting in the
field when seedlings enter the active tillering stage, i.e.,
20–25 days after transplanting.
Second top dressing
Immediately after panicle initiation (boot leaf stage),
second top dressing of fertiliser must be done by
broadcasting method. This ensures complete grain
filling, increases the size and weight of the grains, and
improves the physical quality and protein content of
the produce.

Fertiliser dose calculation

For fertiliser dose calculation in a given area, a
number of factors need to be considered. These include
the following.
• Percentage of nutrient content in fertiliser material
• Desired dose of application
• Area to be covered by a fertiliser

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 Using the recommended rate of, say 40 kg/ha, Notes
calculate the amount of fertiliser required.
W = A × R ×100 / P
Where,
W = weight of fertiliser to be applied
(this is what you want to know)
A = area to be fertilised (in hectares)
R = desired rate of application
P = percentage of nutrient element
the fertiliser contains
Suppose, the measured field’s area is 1.5 ha.
Use the formula
W = A × R × 100/P
Where,
W = ?
A = 1.5 ha
R = 40 kg/ha for this application (top dressing)
P = 46%
Then,
W = 1.5 ×40 × 100/46
= 6000/46
= 130.0 kg
It is clear that the said area will need fertiliser
application of 130 kg urea.
Each bag of urea weighs 50 kg. Therefore, to convert
130 kg into bags, divide 130 kg by the weight of one bag.
130 kg = 130 kg / 50 kg = 2.6 bags

Practical Exercise
Activity
Calculate the fertiliser quantity needed for paddy crop.

Material required: fertiliser, notebook, pen, pencil, etc.

Procedure
• Measure the plot area under paddy cultivation.
• Check the recommended dose of nitrogen for paddy plant.
• Calculate the quantity of urea to meet the recommended
dose of nitrogen.
• Carry out mathematical calculation.

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 Practical Exercise
Notes Suppose, the measured field’s area is 1.5 ha. Use the formula
W = (A×R)/P
Where,
W = ?
A = 1.5 ha
R = 40 kg/ha for this application (top dressing)
P = 46%
Then,
W = 1.5 ha × 40 kg/ha / 0.46
= 60 kg/0.46
= 130.0 kg
It is clear that the said area will need fertiliser application of
130 kg urea.
Each bag of urea weighs 50 kg. Therefore, to convert 130 kg
into bags, divide 130 kg by the weight of one bag.
130 kg = 130 kg / 50 kg = 2.6 bags

Check Your Progress

A. Fill in the Blanks
1. When fertiliser is applied during the process of ploughing,
the method is called ____________.
2. Spreading or broadcasting of fertilisers in standing crop
is known as _____________.
3. The depth of nitrogenous fertilisers for pellet application
is _____________.
4. The process of spraying fertiliser solutions on the foliage
of growing plants is called ____________.
5. Second top dressing of fertiliser must be done at the
______________ stage.

B. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Application of fertilisers into soil close to seed or plant is
termed __________.
(a) pellet application (b) broadcasting
(c) top dressing (d) localised placement
2. Scorching of paddy leaves is caused by ______________.
(a) controlled top dressing
(b) uncontrolled dose of foliar spray
(c) basal application
(d) drill placement
3. ______________ of fertilisers is, generally, practised in
nitrogenous and phosphatic fertiliser.
(a) Sub-surface placement
(b) Plough furrow placement
(c) Localised placement
(d) Pellet application

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 4. Application of fertilisers through irrigation water is
Notes
known as ______________.
(a) fertigation
(b) top dressing
(c) deep placement
(d) broadcasting

C. Match the Columns

A B
1. Basal application (a) Nitrogenous fertiliser

2. First top dressing (b) Active tillering stage

3. Pellets (c) Band placement

4. Single placement (d) Before sowing

D. Subjective Questions
1. Describe the methods of fertiliser application.
2. Explain the methods of applying fertilisers in
solid form.
3. Explain the methods of applying fertilisers in
liquid form.
4. Define the following.
(a) Top dressing
(b) Fertigation

Session 4: Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms in Paddy
Nitrogen
Nitrogen increases the vigour and growth of paddy plants.
It imparts green colour to the plants by synthesising
chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis, promotes
leaf, stem and root growth or elongation (height, size,
tillers, leaf size, etc.). It is also helpful in promoting the
development of panicle.

Deficiency symptoms
Deficiency symptoms start at leaf tips, which become
chlorotic and progress along the midrib until the entire
leaf is dead. The plants may develop weak stems and
exhibit slow growth.
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 Notes Corrective measures
• Before sowing or transplanting of paddy and
during crop growth, apply sufficient nitrogen
fertiliser as recommended in the soil test report.
• Carry out foliar application of 1 per cent urea
solution when the symptoms are observed every
week till the symptoms disappear.

Phosphorus
Phosphorus stimulates root development in young
plants, thereby, increasing the number of root hair and
their ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. It also
helps the seedlings to recover rapidly from transplanting
shock. It imparts resistance from drought, facilitates
nitrogen absorption, and promotes early flowering and
ripening. It also increases protein content of the grains
(food value) and invigorates the germinating power
of seeds.

Deficiency symptoms
There is purple colour development in lower part
of the culms of plants. This deficiency makes
the leaves bluish-green and causes stunting of
the plants, underdeveloped root system and less
number of tillers.

Corrective measures
• If a soil is deficient in phosphorus, then applying
phosphorous bacteria as seed coating or using
seedling dip method is effective.
• Add phosphatic fertiliser to the soil.
• When soil pH is low, broadcast rock phosphate
before flooding in field

Potassium
Potassium strengthens the cell walls, makes the plant,
sturdy, helps it to withstand adverse weather conditions
and increases the plants’ resistance to pathogens. It
increases the size, weight and protein content of the
grains, thus, improving their appearance.

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 Deficiency symptoms Notes
The symptoms are scorched appearance along the leaf
margins, dark colour of the leaves (spreading from the
tips), chlorotic areas on leaf and panicles, weak stems
(tendency to lodge), droopiness, reduced photosynthesis
and consequent slower growth.

Corrective measures
Potassium deficiency can be corrected by foliar spray of
aqueous solution of potassium chloride (KCl) 5 g/lat at
an interval 15 days till the symptoms disappear.

Sulphur
Sulphur helps in chlorophyll formation and encourages
vegetative growth in plants. It is essential for the
formation of proteins, enzymes and certain volatile
compounds, including rice bran oil. Moreover, it
increases root growth, and stimulates seed formation,
quality and size of the grains.

Deficiency symptoms
Deficient plants appear pale green with light green
coloured young leaves. Other important symptoms
are yellowing of the plants, chlorosis in young
leaves, reduced height and reduced tillers with
shortened panicles.

Corrective measures
• Apply slow releasing sulphur forms (gypsum,
elemental S) into the soil, where leaching is
a problem.
• Apply 10 kg wettable S/ha in case of moderate
deficiency. For severe deficiency, application of
20–40 kg S/ha is recommended.

Zinc
Zinc helps in the formation of chlorophyll in plants
and also influences the formation of important
growth hormones. It is associated with water uptake
in plants.

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 Notes Deficiency symptoms
Typical zinc deficiency symptoms appear in reddish
colour on the leaves known as khaira disease in paddy
plants. It leads to yellowing of the leaves between the
veins, and the middle parts of the leaves often collapse to
give a scorched appearance. In case of severe deficiency,
there is reduction in leaf size. They may even turn white,
and subsequently, die. Besides, the plants get stunted
and produce few tillers.

Corrective measures
• Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) must be applied to the
nursery seedbed, if deficiency symptoms are
observed.
• Pre-soaked seeds or seedlings may be dipped
in 2–4% ZnSO4 suspension before sowing and
transplanting.
• Zinc sulphate at 5–10 kg /ha must be applied.
• Foliar application of 0.5–1.5 per cent ZnSO4 /
ha at tillering (25–30 days after transplanting),
2–3 repeated applications at an interval of 10–14
days is recommended in zinc deficient soils.
• Zn chelates (such as Zn-EDTA) can be used for
foliar application.

Practical Exercise
Activity
Identify of nutrients deficiency symptoms in rice plant.

Material required: pen, pencil, notebook, gloves, gumboot,

nutrient deficiency symptom colour chart, etc.

Procedure
• Visit a nearby paddy field.
• Identify the deficiency symptoms in the crop.
• Match the symptoms with the colour chart.
• Note down the deficiency symptoms in your notebook.
• Write down the corrective measures to check
such deficiencies.
• Present your observations before the class.

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 Check Your Progress Notes
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. ___________ enables the seedling to recover rapidly from
transplanting shock.
2. _______________ increases a plant’s resistance to
pathogens.
3. Reduced number of tillers and shortened panicles
indicates the deficiency of ___________.
4. Khaira disease of paddy is caused by the deficiency of
____________.

B. Multiple Choice Questions

1. ______________ gives green colour, and enhances vigour
and growth of paddy plant.
(a) Nitrogen (b) Phosphorus
(c) Potash (d) None of the above
2. ____________ helps in chlorophyll formation and
encourages vegetative plant growth.
(a) Potash (b) Sulphur
(c) Zinc (d) None of the above
3. Scorched appearance along leaf margins indicates the
deficiency of ___________.
(a) Potassium (b) Nitrogen
(c) Copper (d) Zinc
4. _____________ increases root growth, stimulates seed
formation quality and size of grains.
(a) Copper (b) Zinc
(c) Sulphur (d) Manganese

C. Match the Columns

A B

1. Zinc (a) Root development

2. Phosphorus (b) Weak stems

3. Potassium deficiency (c) Chlorophyll

4. Sulphur forms (d) Water uptake

D. Subjective Questions
1. Discuss the following.
(a) Nitrogen deficiency symptoms
(b) Zinc deficiency symptoms
(c) Corrective measures for deficiency of phosphorus

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