DAP fertilizer, NPK ratio, and Major types of fertilizers : Daily Current Affairs

DAP fertilizer, NPK ratio, and Major types of fertilizers

Context:

Recently, Rajasthan continue of suffer an acute shortage of Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, which has adversely affected the sowing of rabi crops, especially mustard and gram, in an estimated 50 lakh hectare area.

De-ammonium Phosphate Fertilizer (DAP):

DAP is the second most commonly used fertilizers in India with its sales of 119.19 lakh tonnes in 2020-21.
These fertilizers are applied just before or at the time of sowing as they are high in phosphorus (P) that stipulates root establishment and development – without which plants can't grow to their normal size or will take too long to nature.
DAP consists of – 46% OF Phosphorus (P) and 18% of Nitrogen (N).
Recently government announced a 137% increase in the subsidy on DAP from Rs. 511.55 to Rs. 1211.55 per 50 kg bag.
The subsidy given on DAP is nutrient based subsidy whose rates vary across nutrients.

NPK ratio:

The aim of Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy is to increase the consumption of P & K fertilizers so that an optimum balance of N:P:K = 4:2:1 can be achieved.
There are 6 macro nutrients that are needed for well balanced growth of crops. These are –

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

Calcium (A)

Magnesium (Mg)

Sulphur (S)

Nitrogenous fertilizers consist of Urea, Ammonium Nitrate, and Ammonium Sulphate.
Potassic fertilizers consist of Potassium Nitrate, Chile Sulphate.
Phosphatic fertilizers consist of Super Phosphate, Triple Phosphate.
NPK ratio of 4:2:1 improves soil health and increase the yield of crops, resulting in enhanced income for the farmers.

Major types of fertilizers:

1. Neem Coated Urea: Urea is sprayed with neem oil for nitrification and inhibition properties.

The coating of neem shows down the process of release of nitrogen from urea and there is an increase in nitrogen use efficiency.
Neem Coate Urea increases the yield of paddy, sugarcane, maize, soybean, tur/Red gram.
Urea has very high N and K content of 46% and 60% respectively which helps in improving soil health and growth of crops.

2. Primary fertilizers includes Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potansium –