Best Fertilizer for Tur in India
Tur (arhar or pigeonpea) is a long-duration kharif pulse that fixes nitrogen through Rhizobium nodules on its deep roots. Like other legumes it needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen bu
Overview
Tur (arhar or pigeonpea) is a long-duration kharif pulse that fixes nitrogen through Rhizobium nodules on its deep roots. Like other legumes it needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen but responds strongly to phosphorus for root and nodule growth. Its long taproot draws nutrients from deeper soil layers, so balanced phosphorus and a good Rhizobium and PSB seed treatment matter more than heavy nitrogen. Excess nitrogen delays flowering and gives bushy plants with fewer pods. Because tur stays in the field for many months, base your fertiliser on a soil test or Soil Health Card and confirm rates with your local KVK, as soils and varieties differ widely.
Recommended NPK dose for Tur
A typical recommended dose is about 6 to 10 kg N, 20 kg P2O5 and 8 kg K2O per acre, which is roughly 15 to 25 kg N, 40 to 50 kg P2O5 and 20 kg K2O per hectare. Note the low nitrogen and high phosphorus typical of legumes. Sulphur at 8 kg per acre often boosts yield. Potash is added where soil tests show a shortage. These are general ranges only. Get a soil test or Soil Health Card done and follow the dose advised by your KVK, since requirements vary with soil and variety.
Application schedule
Tur needs all its fertiliser as a single basal dose at sowing. Apply the full nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur in the seed furrow or just below the seed before sowing. No nitrogen top dressing is required because nodules supply nitrogen through the long season. If plants look weak at the early vegetative stage on poor soils, a light foliar spray of 2 percent urea can help, but avoid broadcasting heavy nitrogen which delays flowering.
Organic & bio-fertilizers
Mix 4 to 5 tonnes of well rotted FYM or compost per acre, about 10 tonnes per hectare, into the soil before sowing. Treat seed first with fungicide, then coat with pigeonpea-specific Rhizobium at 5 g per kg seed plus PSB at 5 g per kg seed, dry in shade and sow the same day. This biological treatment supplies much of the nitrogen and unlocks soil phosphorus. Vermicompost at 1 to 2 tonnes per acre can replace part of the FYM and improves the long-season soil health that tur needs.
Micronutrients & deficiency signs
Tur responds well to sulphur and to zinc on deficient soils. Apply 8 kg sulphur per acre through gypsum where needed, as it improves protein and yield. For zinc deficiency, seen as yellow bands between veins and small leaves, apply 10 kg zinc sulphate per acre or spray 0.5 percent zinc sulphate. Iron deficiency in calcareous soils shows as yellowing of new leaves; correct with a 0.5 percent ferrous sulphate spray. Apply boron only if a soil test confirms a shortage, since excess is toxic.
Tips & cautions
Treat seed with fungicide first, then Rhizobium and PSB, and sow the same day. Do not overuse nitrogen; it delays flowering and gives bushy plants with fewer pods. Place phosphorus near the seed for better use. Ensure good drainage, as tur is very sensitive to waterlogging which kills nodules. Test your soil every two to three years and follow your KVK for the dose suited to your variety and region.
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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