Fertilizer Recommendations Based on Soil Testing: A Comprehensive Guide for Farmers

Soil testing is a critical step in modern agriculture, enabling farmers to optimize crop yields while maintaining soil health. By understanding the nutrient content and fertility levels of their soil, farmers can make informed decisions about fertilizer application. This article provides detailed fertilizer recommendations for various crops based on soil testing, covering organic and microbial fertilizers, macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium – NPK), sulfur, micronutrients, and special remarks. Whether you’re growing rice, wheat, vegetables, or fruit trees, this guide offers practical insights to enhance productivity sustainably.

For additional information on beneficial microbes in agriculture, check out our previous article: Determining Fertilizer Quantities for Crops: A Comprehensive Guide

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Why Soil Testing Matters

Soil is the foundation of agriculture, and its health directly impacts crop performance. Overuse or underuse of fertilizers can lead to nutrient imbalances, reduced yields, and environmental degradation. Soil testing analyzes key parameters like pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels, providing a scientific basis for fertilizer recommendations. This ensures that crops receive the right nutrients at the right time, maximizing growth and profitability while minimizing waste.

In this guide, we’ll break down fertilizer recommendations by crop type, including specific quantities for organic fertilizers, NPK ratios based on soil fertility (high, medium, low), sulfur, micronutrients, and application methods. Let’s dive into the details.

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Fertilizer Recommendations for Cereal Crops

Cereal crops like rice, wheat, and maize are staples in many regions. Their fertilizer needs vary based on variety, soil fertility, and growth duration. Below are tailored recommendations for common cereal crops.

1. Boro Paddy (High-Yielding)

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: 2 tons of organic manure or green manure (e.g., Azolla cultivation). For hilly and terai regions, apply 400-800 kg of dolomite every 3 years for soil correction.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 48:24:24
• Medium Fertility: 52:26:26
• Low Fertility: 56:28:28
• Sulfur: 8 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients:
• Terai and Gangetic alluvial soils: 10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax
• Vindhya alluvial and red gravelly soils: 10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax
• Coastal areas: 10 kg zinc sulfate (all applied during land preparation)
• Special Remarks: Apply 1/4 nitrogen + all phosphorus + 3/4 potassium as basal fertilizer, 1/2 nitrogen at first top-dressing (without tillering), and 1/4 nitrogen at final top-dressing (panicle initiation).

2. Hybrid Boro Paddy

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: 2 tons of organic manure or 200 kg oilcake + 6 kg each of PSB and Azotobacter. For hilly and terai regions, 400-800 kg dolomite.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 56:28:28
• Low Fertility: 64:32:32
• Sulfur: 12 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, plus 400 g ammonium molybdate in hilly, terai, and red soil regions (during land preparation).
• Special Remarks: Apply 1/2 nitrogen + all phosphorus + potassium as basal, 1/4 nitrogen at 21 days after sowing, and 1/4 nitrogen at 45 days after sowing. In sandy soils, split potassium application.

3. Wheat

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: 2 tons of organic manure + 6 kg each of PSB and Azotobacter. For hilly and terai regions, 400-800 kg dolomite.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 40:20:20
• Medium Fertility: 48:24:24
• Low Fertility: 56:28:28
• Hilly/Terai: High 48:24:24, Medium 56:28:28, Low 64:32:32
• Sulfur: 8 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax (during land preparation).
• Special Remarks: Apply 1/3 nitrogen + 1/3 phosphorus + potassium as basal, 1/3 nitrogen + 1/3 potassium at 30 days, and 1/3 nitrogen + 1/3 potassium at 45 days.

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Fertilizer Recommendations for Aus Paddy

Aus paddy is grown in two forms: broadcast (Bona Aus) and transplanted (Roa Aus). Here are the specifics:

1. Bona Aus Paddy (100 days)

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: 2 tons organic manure. In hilly/terai regions, 400-800 kg dolomite every 3 years.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 20:10:10
• Medium Fertility: 24:12:12
• Low Fertility: 28:14:14
• Sulfur: 4 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate (during land preparation)
• Special Remarks: Apply 1/4 nitrogen + all phosphorus + potassium as basal, 1/2 nitrogen at first top-dressing (without tillering), and 1/4 nitrogen at final top-dressing (panicle initiation).

2. Roa Aus Paddy (110-115 days)

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: Same as Bona Aus.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 24:12:12
• Medium Fertility: 28:14:14
• Low Fertility: 32:16:16
• Sulfur: 4 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate (during land preparation)
• Special Remarks: Same as Bona Aus. In sandy soils, split potassium into 1/2 basal and 1/2 final top-dressing.

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Fertilizer Recommendations for Aman Paddy

Aman paddy varies by duration and waterlogging conditions. Below are recommendations for different types:

1. Local Aman Paddy

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: 2 tons organic manure or green manure (e.g., Sesbania, blue-green algae – 4 kg, or Azolla – 2 tons). In hilly/terai regions, 400-800 kg dolomite every 3 years.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 16:8:8
• Medium Fertility: 20:10:10
• Low Fertility: 24:12:12
• Sulfur: 8 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate (during land preparation)
• Special Remarks: Apply 1/4 nitrogen + all phosphorus + potassium as basal, 1/2 nitrogen at first top-dressing, and 1/4 nitrogen at second top-dressing. In sandy soils, split potassium.

2. Short-Duration High-Yielding Aman (115-125 days)

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: Same as Local Aman.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 20:10:10
• Medium Fertility: 24:12:12
• Low Fertility: 28:14:14
• Sulfur: 8 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate (during land preparation)
• Special Remarks: Same as Local Aman.

3. Medium-Duration High-Yielding Aman (125-135 days)

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: Same as above.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 24:12:12
• Medium Fertility: 28:14:14
• Low Fertility: 32:16:16
• Sulfur: 8 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate (during land preparation)
• Special Remarks: Same as above.

4. Long-Duration High-Yielding Aman (Water Depth Variations)

• 10-30 cm Water:
• NPK: High 28:14:14, Medium 32:16:16, Low 36:18:18
• Sulfur: 4 kg
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate
• Remarks: Apply all nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as basal if waterlogging is expected.
• 30-50 cm Water:
• NPK: High 24:12:12, Medium 28:14:14, Low 32:16:16
• Sulfur: 4 kg
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate
• 50-100 cm Water:
• NPK: High 16:8:8, Medium 20:10:10, Low 24:12:12
• Sulfur: 4 kg
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate
• >100 cm Water:
• NPK: High 16:8:8, Medium 20:10:10, Low 24:12:12
• Sulfur: 4 kg
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate

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Fertilizer Recommendations for Cash Crops

Cash crops like sugarcane, cotton, and jute have unique nutrient demands. Here’s how to fertilize them effectively:

1. Sugarcane

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: 4 tons organic manure or 400 kg oilcake + 6 kg each of PSB and Azotobacter. In hilly/terai regions, 400-800 kg dolomite.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 60:30:30
• Medium Fertility: 80:40:40
• Low Fertility: 88:44:44
• Sulfur: 16 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax (during land preparation). Spray 0.5 g zinc EDTA + 1 g disodium octaborate per liter of water at 3rd and 6th weeks.
• Special Remarks: Apply 1/3 nitrogen + 1/4 phosphorus as basal, 1/3 nitrogen + 1/2 phosphorus at 45 days, and 1/3 nitrogen + 1/4 phosphorus at 90 days.

2. Cotton

• Organic and Microbial Fertilizers: 2 tons organic manure + 6 kg each of PSB and Azotobacter. In red soils with pH <5.5, 400 kg dolomite or lime.
• NPK Levels (kg/acre):
• High Fertility: 24:12:12
• Medium Fertility: 32:16:16
• Low Fertility: 40:20:20
• Sulfur: 8 kg (during land preparation)
• Micronutrients: 10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax (during land preparation).
• Special Remarks: Apply 1/2 nitrogen + all phosphorus + potassium as basal, 1/4 nitrogen at 30 days, and 1/4 nitrogen at 60 days.

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Fertilizer Recommendations for Vegetables

Vegetables require balanced nutrition for rapid growth and quality produce. Below is a table summarizing recommendations:

Fertilizer Recommendations for Vegetables

Crop	Organic Fertilizer (per acre)	NPK (kg/acre)	Sulfur (kg/acre)	Micronutrients (per acre)	Special Remarks
Summer Brinjal	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	48:24:24	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Winter Brinjal	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	60:40:40	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Hybrid Brinjal	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	72:36:36	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Okra (Bhindi)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	40:20:20	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Taro (Kochu)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	60:40:60	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Onion (Peyaj)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	60:40:60	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Beet, Carrot	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	32:24:24	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Garlic, Turnip	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	32:24:24	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Local Tomato	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	40:20:20	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Hybrid Tomato	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	72:36:36	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Radish (Mulo)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	24:24:24	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Chili (Lanka)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	36:24:24	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Colocasia (Ol)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	80:40:60	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Spinach (Palong)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	56:28:28	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Sweet Potato	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	32:20:40	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Capsicum	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	40:32:32	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Ginger, Turmeric	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	48:24:32	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Local Watermelon	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	36:24:24	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Hybrid Watermelon	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	60:40:40	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Snake Gourd (Chichinga)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	20:24:32	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Cabbage	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	80:40:40	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Cauliflower	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	60:40:40	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Pumpkin Family	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	56:28:28	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Cucumber, Bottle Gourd	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	56:28:28	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Pointed Gourd (Potol)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	48:24:24	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Coriander (Dhania)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	12:12:12	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Teasle Gourd (Kakrol)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	32:16:16	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Fenugreek (Methi)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	8:20:20	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Water Spinach (Kolmi)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	40:20:20	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days
Kohlrabi (Olkopi)	4 tons + 6 kg PSB + 6 kg Azotobacter	40:40:40	4-6	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate	1/2 N + 1/2 P basal, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 21 days, 1/4 N + 1/4 P at 42 days

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Fertilizer Recommendations for Fruit Trees

Fruit trees require long-term nutrient management. Below is a table for key fruit crops:

Fruit	NPK (g/tree/year)	Organic Fertilizer (kg/tree/year)	Sulfur (g/tree/year)	Micronutrients (g/tree/year)	Special Remarks
Mango (Aam)	1000:750:1000	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Litchi (Lichu)	600:200:600	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Jackfruit (Kathal)	600:800:600	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Sapodilla (Sobeda)	600:800:600	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Coconut (Narkel)	750:500:1200	50-100	10-20	25-30 g borax, 25 g zinc sulfate, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications. Use single super phosphate for P if sulfur is sufficient.
Areca Nut (Supari)	250:150:200	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Cashew Nut (Kaju)	260:320:260	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Custard Apple (Ata)	250:250:250	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Guava (Peyara)	400:200:600	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Pomegranate (Bedana)	600:200:400	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Citrus (Lebu Jatiya)	240:120:240	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Banana (Kola)	240:160:240	50-100	10-20	25 g zinc sulfate, 10 g borax, 1 g copper sulfate, 0.1 g ammonium molybdate	Split organic and NPK fertilizers into two equal parts: pre- and post-monsoon applications at the tree base.
Pineapple (Anaras)	240:160:240 (kg/acre)	4 tons/acre	4-6 kg/acre	10 kg zinc sulfate, 4 kg borax, 400 g ammonium molybdate (per acre)	Apply organic and NPK fertilizers in two equal splits during the growing season.

Conclusion

Soil testing empowers farmers to apply fertilizers precisely, boosting crop yields while preserving soil health. This guide covers recommendations for cereals, cash crops, vegetables, and fruits, ensuring you have the tools to succeed. For more insights, explore our article on beneficial microbes linked above. Adopt these practices today for sustainable farming and higher profits!