Best Fertilizer for Peas in India
Pea (Pisum sativum), called matar, is a cool-season legume grown for green pods or dry grain. Being a legume, it fixes its own nitrogen through root nodules with Rhizobium bacteria, so it ne
Overview
Pea (Pisum sativum), called matar, is a cool-season legume grown for green pods or dry grain. Being a legume, it fixes its own nitrogen through root nodules with Rhizobium bacteria, so it needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen, while phosphorus and potash matter more for root, nodule and pod development. Phosphorus is especially important early, as it boosts nodulation and root growth. A modest farmyard manure base plus correct Rhizobium seed treatment can supply much of the crop's nitrogen naturally and improve the soil for the next crop. Over-feeding nitrogen actually suppresses nodulation and gives leafy plants with poor podding. Always base your dose on a Soil Health Card soil test and confirm with your local KVK, since legume needs differ from cereals and vegetables.
Recommended NPK dose for Peas
A common recommendation is about 20 to 50 kg nitrogen, 40 to 70 kg phosphorus and 40 to 70 kg potash per hectare, which is roughly 8 to 20 kg N, 16 to 28 kg P and 16 to 28 kg K per acre. Only a small starter nitrogen of 15 to 25 kg per hectare is needed because the crop fixes the rest. Phosphorus is usually the largest dose for nodulation. These are general ranges; your real dose must come from a soil test. Confirm the final figures with your Soil Health Card and KVK.
Application schedule
Pea is a simple crop to feed. Apply the full starter nitrogen, full phosphorus and full potash together as a basal dose at sowing, placed near the seed row, since a single basal application usually meets the whole need. The small nitrogen starter helps early growth until nodules begin fixing nitrogen, typically within three to four weeks. No nitrogen top dressing is normally required; adding more nitrogen later suppresses nodules. A light irrigation after sowing settles the fertiliser into the root zone.
Organic & bio-fertilizers
Mix 12 to 20 tonnes of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost per hectare into the soil before sowing, or 5 to 6 tonnes per acre. The most important organic step is seed treatment with the right Rhizobium leguminosarum culture, which builds nitrogen-fixing nodules and can raise yield by about 8 to 10 percent. Combine it with phosphate-solubilising bacteria to free locked phosphorus. Mix the culture in a 10 percent jaggery or sugar solution, coat the seed and dry in shade before sowing. Never mix Rhizobium directly with chemical fertiliser or fungicide.
Micronutrients & deficiency signs
Pea responds well to phosphorus and to molybdenum and boron in deficient soils. Molybdenum supports the nitrogen-fixing nodules, and its shortage gives pale, poorly nodulated plants. Boron aids flowering and pod set; deficiency causes flower drop and hollow or poorly filled pods. Sulphur supports protein in the grain. In acidic soils, lime based on a soil test improves nodulation by correcting pH. Apply micronutrients only when a soil test confirms a shortage, as excess boron and molybdenum can harm the crop.
Tips & cautions
Do treat seed with Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilising bacteria for free nitrogen and better yield. Do give a strong phosphorus dose for nodulation and podding. Do keep nitrogen to a small starter only. Don't over-apply nitrogen, which suppresses nodules and gives leafy, low-yielding plants. Don't mix Rhizobium with chemicals or fungicide. Don't sow in waterlogged soil, which kills nodules. Always inoculate, base the dose on a soil test, and confirm with the KVK.
These are general recommendations. For the exact dose, follow your Soil Health Card / soil test and local KVK, and avoid over-applying urea.
FAQs
Why does pea need so little nitrogen?
How do I treat pea seed with Rhizobium?
Why is phosphorus important for peas?
Does pea need top dressing?
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