Nutrient management in vegetable crops in Himachal Pradesh

Nutrient management is critical in order to increase or maintain crop yields on a single piece of agricultural land. To meet crop needs throughout growing season, soil fertility must be consistently high. There are fourteen nutrients that are supplied to crops from soil and fertilizer sources. Of these 6 are generally considered macronutrients while the rest are micronutrients. Macronutrients are used in relatively larger amounts by the plant however micronutrients deficiencies can be equally damaging to yield and profitability. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the three main macronutrients that are conventionally supplied by inorganic fertilizers. Secondary nutrients viz calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S) are considered secondary macronutrients or secondary nutrients because they are required in amounts smaller than typically needed N, P or K. Micronutrients are essential for plant growth that are used in relatively small amounts by crops. Boron (B), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) and chlorine (Cl) will only make up a small proportion of a plant however a deficiency in any of these elements has the potential to cause a decrease in crop quality or yield. In contrast their excess availability may cause toxicity. Vegetables are rich and comparatively cheaper source of vitamins and minerals. Their consumption in sufficient quantities provides taste and palatability, increases appetite and provides fair amount of fibres. Proper plant nutrition is essential for successful production of vegetable crops. Every nutrient has its own character and is therefore involved in different metabolic processes of plant life.