Customized Fertilizer: A Key for Enhanced Crop Production

Abstract

One of the most important inputs in increasing food grain production is fertiliser. In terms of nutrients (N, P, and K), annual fertiliser consumption has increased from 0.07 million tonnes in 1951–1952 to more than 26.5 million tonnes in 2017–2018 [1], and consumption per hectare has increased from less than one kilogramme in 1951–1952 to the level of 137.62 kilogrammes in 2015–16. An important component for crop yield and productivity is fertiliser. Fertiliser use accounts for 55% of increased food output. India's annual food grain requirement is around 300 mt per annum by 2020. The area under cultivation cannot be expected to grow beyond the current 142 mha, hence a large portion of the increase in food grain output must be achieved by increasing productivity per unit area. In comparison to most crops, rice has a nitrogen fertiliser efficiency of just 30–40% and other cereals have a phosphorus fertiliser efficiency of 15–20%. Combinations of primary nutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients may be included in the customised fertiliser. At customised fertilisers, major ingredients like Urea, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), and Potash are combined with micronutrients like sulphur, zinc, and boron in a ratio that is appropriate for certain crops and soil types. As we know that, in addition to bigger amounts of fertilizer being removed, the development of high yielding systems is likely to make the problem of secondary and micronutrient deficiencies worse by applying huge amounts of N, P, and K to meet higher yield targets. As a result, there is a chance that in intensive systems, a negative balance may develop and there will be a shortage of secondary and micronutrients. Balanced fertilisation, site-specific nutrient management, and customised fertilisers will all be crucial in achieving sustainable future goals. In long run, such a strategy may also increase agricultural yields and prevent the loss of soil fertility. As a result, the current article concentrates on the various features of customised fertilisers connected to their necessity, production, standards, and long-term prospects.