Best Fertilizer for Chana in India
Chana (chickpea or Bengal gram) is a rabi pulse that fixes its own nitrogen from the air through Rhizobium bacteria living in its root nodules. Because of this, chana needs only a small star
Overview
Chana (chickpea or Bengal gram) is a rabi pulse that fixes its own nitrogen from the air through Rhizobium bacteria living in its root nodules. Because of this, chana needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen but responds very well to phosphorus, which boosts root and nodule growth. A good Rhizobium and PSB seed treatment can supply most of the crop's nitrogen and save 20 to 25 percent of fertiliser N. Heavy nitrogen actually harms the crop by reducing nodulation and promoting leafy growth instead of pods. Always base your fertiliser dose on a soil test or Soil Health Card and confirm local rates with your nearest KVK, as needs vary by soil and region.
Recommended NPK dose for Chana
A typical recommended dose is about 6 to 8 kg N, 16 to 20 kg P2O5 and 8 kg K2O per acre, which is roughly 15 to 20 kg N, 40 to 50 kg P2O5 and 20 kg K2O per hectare. Note the low nitrogen and high phosphorus typical of legumes. Potash is added only where soil tests show it is low. These are general ranges only. Get a soil test or Soil Health Card done and follow the dose advised by your KVK, since requirements change with soil fertility and region.
Application schedule
Chana needs almost all its fertiliser as a basal dose at sowing. Apply the full nitrogen, phosphorus and any potash in the seed furrow or just below the seed before sowing, so the roots reach it early. No nitrogen top dressing is needed because the nodules supply nitrogen later. In long-duration or irrigated crops, a 2 percent urea or DAP spray at the flowering and pod-filling stage, around 70 days after sowing, can help fill grains. Do not broadcast extra nitrogen on the standing crop.
Organic & bio-fertilizers
Mix 5 tonnes of well rotted FYM or compost per acre, about 10 to 12 tonnes per hectare, into the soil before sowing. The most important practice is seed treatment: first treat seed with fungicide, then coat with chickpea-specific Rhizobium culture at about 5 g per kg seed plus PSB (phosphate solubilising bacteria) at 5 g per kg seed, dry in shade and sow the same day. Rhizobium supplies nitrogen and PSB unlocks soil phosphorus. Vermicompost at 1 to 2 tonnes per acre is an excellent substitute for part of the FYM.
Micronutrients & deficiency signs
Chana commonly responds to sulphur, zinc and sometimes boron. Apply 8 to 10 kg sulphur per acre through gypsum where soil is deficient. For zinc deficiency, seen as yellowing between veins of middle leaves and stunted growth, apply 8 to 10 kg zinc sulphate per acre or spray 0.5 percent zinc sulphate. Boron deficiency shows as poor flowering and pod set; apply borax only if a soil test confirms the shortage, as excess boron is toxic. In some areas a small ammonium molybdate dose improves nodulation.
Tips & cautions
Always treat seed with fungicide first, then Rhizobium and PSB, and sow the same day. Do not overuse nitrogen; heavy urea reduces nodulation and gives leaves instead of pods. Place phosphorus near the seed, not broadcast, for better uptake. Avoid waterlogging, which kills nodules. Do a soil test every two to three years and rely on your KVK for the exact dose for your village.
These are general recommendations. For the exact dose, follow your Soil Health Card / soil test and local KVK, and avoid over-applying urea.
FAQs
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