What are the main guidelines for nitrogen application?
The optimum time and the rates of nitrogen application depend on various local factors such as soil type, water management, weather conditions etc. However, the following are some guidelines: • Number of top dressings: Where flooding is not a problem, top dressings may be given every 2 to 3 weeks interval from transplanting till about a week after panicle initiation. • Amount of nitrogen per top dressing: Preferably not more than 20 to 30 kg nitrogen per ha. However, this depends on the total quantity of nitrogen recommended. • Soils with low nitrogen: More nitrogen at planting should be given. • Soils with adequate nitrogen: Small amounts at transplanting and more nitrogen through top dressings. • Low tillering variety: Relatively more nitrogen at early stages of growth. • Early maturing variety: Relatively more nitrogen at early stages of growth. • Long duration variety: More nitrogen as top dressings. • Cool weather: Due to slow initial growth under cool conditions nitrogen should b
