Manuring & Fertigation

19. Manuring

Organic matter:

• FYM/compost: 20–25 t/ha

Recommended fertilizer dose:

• N: 150–200 kg/ha
• P₂O₅: 60–80 kg/ha
• K₂O: 60–100 kg/ha

Note: Adjust per soil test

Excess nitrogen can cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce fruit set

20. Basal dose

Before transplanting:

• 25% Nitrogen
• 50% Phosphorus
• 25% Potassium

Incorporate well into the soil in planting rows

21. Top dressing

Apply remaining N and K in 2–3 splits:

• 30 days after transplanting
• At flowering
• At early fruit formation

22. Foliar spray

• 19:19:19 NPK @ 1% during vegetative stage
• CaNO₃ @ 1% during fruit development
• Micronutrient mixture @ 0.5%
• Boron @ 0.2% to reduce flower drop and improve fruit set

23. Fertigation schedule

Suggested weekly schedule:

• Urea: 3–5 kg/acre
• SOP: 3–4 kg/acre
• MAP: 2–3 kg/acre (early)
• Calcium nitrate: 3–4 kg/acre (fruiting)

Frequency:

• Every 3–4 days (soil-dependent)

24. Growth regulators

• GA₃ @ 20–30 ppm: Enhances vegetative growth
• NAA @ 20 ppm: Reduces flower drop, improves fruit setting
• CPPU: Limited use for fruit enlargement