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This project was started in the year 1967-68 in Tamil Nadu with Coimbatore as
main center along with two sub-centres which will change from time to time. In
all these centres, research work is being carried out in order to develop
fertilizer prescriptions for major crops/cropping sequences of the
corresponding agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu.
Objectives
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To establish significant
relationship between soil test values and crop response to fertilizers and
from the results thus obtained, to provide a calibration for fertilizer
recommendation based on soil testing
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To derive a basis for
fertilizer recommendation for desired yield targets of crops
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To evaluate the various
soil test methods for their suitability under field conditions.
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To evaluate the extent to
which fertilizer needs of crops can be reduced in relation to conjoint use of
organic manures and bio-fertilizers.
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To evaluate a basis for
fertilizer recommendation for a whole cropping sequence based on initial soil
test values.
Salient Achievements
1.Fertiliser recommendation for various
crops under Integrated Plant
Nutrition System
Soil test based fertilizer recommendations under IPNS for desired yield targets
have been developed for crops such as rice, sorghum, ragi, maize, sugarcane,
cotton, groundnut, sunflower soybean, gingelly, blackgram, greengram, chilli,
tapioca, onion, turmeric and potato covering six agro-climatic zones and 12 soil
series. Many
experiments were conducted using organics like FYM, compost, composted coirpith,
pressmud, green leaf manures, green manures and bio-fertilizers such as
Phosphobacterium, Azospirillum along with inorganics. The contribution of
nutrients from these sources were quantified and the extent of saving inorganic
fertilizers through conjoint use of organics/BF and chemical fertilizers was
evaluated.
2.
Regionalization of recommendation
The fertilizer
recommendations developed for various yield targets are site specific. However,
they can be advocated to related soil series existing in other agro-climatic
zones also.
3. Fertilizer recommendation for
cropping sequences
Information generated for cropping sequences enable judicious application of
fertilizers for desired yield targets of crops in the commonly adopted cropping
sequences such as
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Rice-Rice-Gingelly/
Groundnut in Cauvery Delta Zone
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Rice-Rice-Pulse/Rice-Groundnut-Pulse
in Lower Bhavani Ayacut
of Western zone
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Rice-Rice-Pulse in
Tamiraparani Ayacut of Southern Zone.
4. Post Harvest Soil Test Values predictions and Yield targeting for
soil fertility maintenance
The prediction equations may
be used for prescribing fertilizer doses for cropping sequences based on initial
soil test values. Maintenance of soil fertility is achieved with appropriate
recommendation of fertilizers by prescription procedure.
5.Critical levels of soil nutrients
The response to fertilizer
application above the critical levels could not be expected for indicated
targets of rice yields.
6. Fertilizer tailoring
Depending upon the
availability of fertilizers, price fluctuation and yield targets, fertilizer
tailoring could be done to different cliental groups.
Technologies Developed
1. Decision Support System for Integrated Fertilizer Recommendation
(DSSIFER) computer software was developed based on the data base emanated from
the STCR project. This software can generate fertilizer recommendation for
various crops based on soil tests and desired yield targets and can make quality
appraisal for irrigation water based on water analysis.
2. TNAU Soil Health Card was developed which can be a tool to help the
farmers to monitor and improve their farm soil health.
Infrastructure
1.pH meter
2.EC meter
3.Photoelectric colorimeter
4.Flame Photometer
5. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
6. Auto N Analyzer
Services Offered
Soil
Testing and Technology Advisory Centre (SOTAC)
This centre is in operation in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Centre for Soil and Crop Management Studies, TNAU, Coimbatore.
Objectives
- To test
soil and water samples and prescribe site specific fertilizer recommendations.
- To
suggest specific management practices and suitability of the soils for the
crops to be grown.
- To train
the extension personnel/unemployed youths/NGOs /progressive farmers on the use
of
DSSIFER and
Soil Health Cards .
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Analytical Charges for the Analysis of Soil
and Irrigation Water samples and consultancy for Farmers in Soil
Testing & Technology Advisory Centre (SOTAC).
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S.
No. |
Analysis |
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Charges |
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1. |
Routine soil sample analysis (EC, pH, texture, lime
status and available N, P & K)
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Rs.100/sample |
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2. |
Routine water sample analysis (pH & EC)
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Rs.50/sample |
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3. |
Detailed soil analysis (pH, EC, available N, P & K,
texture, lime status and available Zn, Cu, Mn & Fe)
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Rs.250/sample |
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4. |
Detailed water analysis (pH, EC, Carbonates,
Bi-carbonates,
Chlorides, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, SAR and RSC)
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Rs.250/ sample |
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5. |
Field visit – consultancy for solving problems at field
level |
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Actual expenditure + 20 % extra
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Technology Advisory
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Decision Support System for Integrated Fertilizer
Recommendation (DSSIFER) computer software was developed based on the data
base emanated from the STCR project. This software can generate fertilizer
recommendation for various crops based on soil tests and desired yield targets
and can make quality appraisal for irrigation water based on analysis. Using
DSSIFER software, technology advisory is being given to farmers.
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TNAU Soil Health Card was developed which can be a
tool to help the farmers to monitor and improve their farm soil health.
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