Hello farmnest,
I am basically from Engg. background and hence my knowledge on Agriculture is limited. I have some basic queries on Pesticide/ Fertilizer usage on crops which I would like to get clarified
Assume that I have a land measuring 1 acre in size, where Paddy is cultivated.
How often should I spray/ use fertilizers (between sowing and harvesting)?
What are the usual chemicals (like urea, etc.) used for this purpose and in what form (solid or liquid)?
What is the quantity of Pesticide/ Fertilizer needed for 1 acre? (important query)
Approximate labour expenses involved? (important query)
How long it takes to complete the activity of spraying chemicals?
I have similar questions even for other crops. I would really appreciate, if you guys can answer at least few of the above questions
How often should I spray/ use fertilizers (between sowing and harvesting)?
SPRAY BASED ON NEED IF THERE IS SOME DISEASE OR PEST. ABOUT 2-3 APPLICATIONS OF FERT.
What are the usual chemicals (like urea, etc.) used for this purpose and in what form (solid or liquid)?
NITROGEN (UREA) AND PHOSPHORUS (DAP/SSP), MAY BE POTASH AND ZINC ONLY IF SOIL HAS DEFICIENCY. IN SOLID FORM.
What is the quantity of Pesticide/ Fertilizer needed for 1 acre? (important query)…
FEW BAGS (50 KG) OF FERT AND PESTICIDES ONLY AS PER NEED, USUALLY A LITRE OR FEW KGS.
Approximate labour expenses involved? (important query)
DEPENDS ON THE DAILY WAGES RATE IN YOUR AREA AND HOW MUCH IS YOUR OWN INPUT
How long it takes to complete the activity of spraying chemicals?
FEW MINUTES TO FEW HOURS.
Cereal crops (wheat, paddy, maize) gulp lot of fertilizers. Typically 1 bag of DAP and 2-3 bags of urea.
Much less amount of fertilizers needed for pulses and oilseed crops.
You can decrease dependency on fertilizers if you can arrange lot of manure.
Labor rates in my area is Rs 250-300@day