Indian Journal of Fertilisers, Vol. 12 (3), pp.

26-35 (10 pages)

Current Status of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Soils and

Crop-specific Recommendations for Different
Agro-climatic Zones of Madhya Pradesh
A.K. Shukla*, P.K. Tiwari, C. Prakash, and A.K. Patra
Indian Institute of Soil Science, Berasia Road, Bhopal - 462038, Madhya Pradesh
M.C. Meena
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110012
P. Singh
Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior
and
G.S. Tagore and H.K. Rai
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur
Abstract
Crop productivity and animal and human health are widely associated with micronutrient deficiencies in the
soil. Understanding the nature and extent of micronutrient deficiency problems is useful in improving the fertiliser
prescriptions by inclusion of micronutrients in the fertilisation schedule. In order to understand spatial variation
in micronutrient deficiencies in the state, we carried out micronutrient deficiencies delineation studies in soils of
different agro-climatic zones (ACZs) of Madhya Pradesh. Results showed that the soils of the state were mainly
deficient in zinc (Zn) (67.0%), followed by iron (Fe) (10.2%), manganese (Mn) (1.80%) and copper (Cu) (0.57%)
across the ACZs. Soils of Central Narmada Valley showed maximum extent of Zn deficiency with 78.8% of the
soil samples measuring deficient in Zn. In terms of decreasing incidences of Zn deficiency, rest of the zones
could be arranged in a sequence: Gird Zone (77.8%) >Vindhyachal Plateau (76.0%) > Jhabua Hills (65.5%) >
Bundelkhand Zone (64.8%) > Kymore Plateau & Satpura Hills (64.4%) > Malwa Plateau (62.6%) > Nimar Valley
(60.0%) > Chhattisgarh Plains (48.7) > Northern Hills Zone of Chhattisgarh (47.5%). Deficiency of Fe was most
severe in the soils of Central Narmada Valley, Gird Zone and Jhabua Hills, with average deficiency per cent
figures being 25.1, 21.9 and 21.0, respectively. Deficiencies of Mn and Cu were almost negligible in the state and
are not currently posing any serious threats to the crop production. Multi-micronutrient deficiencies were
observed in few pockets. This study indicates that for sustaining soil and crop productivity, and quality of
produce, fertiliser scheduling needs to be modified with inclusion of the micronutrient(s) deficient in that
particular zone.
Key words: Micronutrient deficiencies, mapping, agro-climatic zone, zinc, iron, copper, manganese

Introduction
Madhya Pradesh is the second
largest agrarian state of the
country in terms of area and
production. Agriculture with
26.0% of contribution to gross state
domestic product (GSDP) remains
the mainstay of the states
economy. The state was awarded
with Krishi Karman Award by
Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare, Government of
India, for the year 2014-15 for the
4 th consecutive year in a row.
Seventy per cent of the states
population is dependent on
agriculture. Madhya Pradesh
occupies 30.76 million hectare
*arvindshukla2k3@yahoo.co.in

(Mha) area (constitutes 9.35% of the

geographical area of the country);
the state has high undulated lands
and only half of the geographical
area (15.1 Mha) is sown annually.
In order to address region-specific
problems
caused
by
wide
variations in physiography, soil
type, rainfall, vegetation, crops and
cropping systems, whole state has
been broadly divided into 11 agroclimatic zones (ACZs). Major soil
groups in the state include
alluvial, medium deep black,
shallow and medium black soils,
mixed red and black soils.
Soybean, rice, wheat, chickpea,
pigeonpea and millets are major
crops grown in the state. Cropping
patterns currently in vogue show
a significant presence of cash
crops and horticultural crops in
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
26

Malwa and Central Narmada

Valley zones. With time there has
been sizable increase in cropping
intensity and irrigation facilities;
resultantly productivity and
production of crops have shown
quantum increase. Application of
micronutrient-free high analysis
fertilisers, scant or non-existent
use of organic manures and
adoption of high yielding crop
varieties has led to the enhanced
removal of micronutrients from the
finite soil reserves. Because of
replenishment being far below
their
removal,
rampant
micronutrient deficiencies have
emerged in the state (Khamparia
et al., 2009). Recent report of All
India Coordinated Research Project
on
Microand
Secondary
Nutrients and Pollutant Elements

Map 1. Agro-climatic zones (ACZs) map of Madhya Pradesh

(AICRP-MSPE) based on 1,27,752

GPS-coordinated soil samples on
micronutrient delineation in
Indian soils has shown that more
than 43% soils are deficient in
Zn, 14.4% in Fe, 6.1% in Cu, 7.9% in
Mn and 20.6% deficient in B (Shukla
et al., 2014). In addition, reports of
multi-nutrient deficiencies in
soils of different sub-agroecological regions of India are also
a crucial concern (Dwivedi et al.,
2009). Soils of MP, in general, are
highly deficient in Zn and Fe;
accelerated intensification of
agriculture has also increased the
incidences of the deficiencies of
other micronutrients across the
state. However, these vary with
soil types, cropping systems and
ACZs. Hence, it was considered
immensely important to assess the
current micronutrient status of
different ACZs and advise the
farmers on importance of inclusion
of need-based application of
micronutrients as part of the
package of practices for different
crops and cropping systems
grown in these ACZs for
improving soil-crop productivity

and sustainable use of finite soil

resource.

Methodology
Agriculturally important areas of
different ACZs of Madhya Pradesh,
situated between 21 01 - 2652 N
and 7420- 8081 E (Map 1) were
selected for study. The state has
broadly been divided into 11 ACZs
based on physiography, soil type,
rainfall, crops, cropping pattern
and administrative unit. As per
nature of deposition and degree of
depth, four major soil groups viz.,
alluvial, medium deep black,
shallow & medium black, and
mixed red and black soils have been
recognized in these ACZs. The soil
texture across the ACZs varies
from clayey to gravelly. Details of
ACZs are given in Table 1.
For
assessment
of
the
micronutrient deficiencies in soils,
11,695 geo-referenced surface soil
samples (0-15 cm depth) were
collected from selected sites
following the stratified random
sampling protocols during the
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
27

years 2009-14. Number of samples

collected from each of ACZ varied
according to the size of the ACZ,
cropping system and cropping
intensity. The collected soil
samples
were air-dried and
ground to pass through a 2-mm
sieve and stored in plastic bags.
Processed soil samples
were
extracted with DTPA solution
(0.005M DTPA-0.01M CaCl2.2H2O0.1 M trietha-nolamine, pH 7.3)
(Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) and
Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were determined
on
atomic
absorption
spectrophotometer (AAS). Critical
limits used in the Coordinated
Project were used for categorizing
micronutrients into the different
classes. Finally, soil micronutrient
maps were prepared using Arc GIS
software based on the data on
percent samples deficient.

Delineation and Mapping of

Micronutrient Deficiencies
The extent and severity of
micronutrient deficiencies in soils
of different ACZs have been
assessed
and
micronutrient

Table 1. Agro-climatic zones (ACZs) and rainfall in Madhya Pradesh

S. No. Agro-climatic
zone
1.
2.

Crop and cropping

systems

Rainfall range (mm)

Rice
Rice

1200 to 1600
1200 to 1600

3.

Chhattisgarh Plains
Northern Hills Region of
Chhattisgarh
Kaymore and Satpura Hills

Ricewheat

1000 to 1400

4.

Central Narmada Valley

Wheat

1000 to 1600

5.

Vindhyachal Plateau

Wheat

1200 to 1400

6.

Gird Region

Wheat-jowar

800 to 1000

7.
8.
9.

Bundelkhand Zone
Satpura Plateau
Malwa Plateau

Wheatjowar
Wheatjowar
Cottonjowar

800 to 1400
1000 to 1200
800 to 1200

10. Nimar Valley

Cottonjowar

800 to 1200

11. Jhabua Hills

Cottonjowar

800 to 1200

fertility maps generated for

making suitable recommendations
to the farmers. The detailed results
are presented in following
sections:

DTPA-extractable Zn
Among all the micronutrients
assessed in the state, extent and
severity of Zn deficiency is highest
across the ACZs. DTPA-Zn content
in the MP soils ranged from 0.01 to
12.6 mg kg-1 with a mean value of
0.62 mg kg-1 (Table 2). Out of total
samples collected from different

ACZs, 66.9% soil samples were

deficient in DTPA-extractable Zn,
and the nature of Zn deficiency
varied according to ACZs, soil
types, cropping pattern, etc. Out of
the ACZs studied, maximum Zn
deficiency, with 78.8% soil samples
being deficient, was observed in
Central Narmada Valley. In terms
of decreasing incidences of Zn
deficiency, ACZs followed the
sequence Gird Zone (77.9%) >
Vindhyachal Plateau (76.0%) >
Jhabua
Hills
(65.5%)
>
Bundelkhand Zone (64.9%) >
Kymore Plateau & Satpura Hills

Districts covered

Balaghat and Agar

Shahdol, Mandla, Umaria
Dindori and Anuppur
Rewa, Satna, Panna, Jabalpur,
Seoni, Sidhi, Katni and Singrauli
Narsinghpur, Hoshangabad
and Harda
Bhopal, Sagar, Damoh,
Vidisha, Raisen and Sehore
Gwalior, Bhind, Morena,
Sheopurkala, Shivpuri, Guna
and Ashoknagar
Chhattarpur, Datia and Tikamgarh
Betul and Chhindwara
Mandsaur, Ratlam, Ujjain,
Dewas, Indore, Shajapur,
Rajagarh, Dhar and Neemuch
Khandwa, Khargone, Badwani
and Burhanpur
Jhabua and Alirajpur

(64.2%) > Malwa Plateau (62.6%) >

Nimar
Valley
(60.0%)
>
Chhattisgarh Plains (48.7) >
Northern
Hills
Zone
of
Chhattisgarh (47.6%). Spatial
variation and status of Zn in
different ACZs is depicted in
Map 2. Soil-wise the highest Zn
deficiency was observed in
alluvial (84.9%) soils, followed by
deep medium black soils (70.6%),
shallow medium black soils
(67.5%) and, medium red and black
soils (56.3%).
Highest
Zn
deficiency in alluvial soils may be
attributed to very low organic
(mg kg-1)

Table 2. Status of DTPA-extractable Zn and Fe in soils of agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh

S. No. Agro-climatic zone

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Bundelkhand Zone
Central Narmada Valley
Chhattisgarh Plains
Gird Zone
Jhabua Hills
Kymore Plateau & Satpura Hills
Malwa Plateau
Nimar Valley
Northen Hills Zone of Chhattisgarh
Satpura Plateau
Vindhyachal Plateau
Overall

Range

Zn
MeanSE

PSD*

Range

Fe
MeanSE

PSD*

0.03-7.22
0.01-3.50
0.06-3.24
0.02-5.26
0.04-4.42
0.03-10.2
0.04-8.00
0.04-1.50
0.02-10.8
0.02-11.2
0.01-12.6
0.01-12.6

0.610.03
0.470.01
0.690.06
0.480.02
0.600.04
0.630.03
0.670.04
0.490.04
0.880.02
0.700.02
0.500.00
0.620.01

64.9
78.8
48.7
77.9
65.5
64.2
62.6
60.0
47.6
63.4
76.0
66.9

1.16-62.6
0.27-64.2
5.80-300
0.50-94.9
0.40-43.2
0.77-115
0.35-32.0
2.20-6.80
1.60-200
0.79-420
0.20-84.8
0.20-420

15.30.59
7.900.21
50.01.13
21.71.91
10.20.29
21.50.58
8.800.14
5.030.30
34.90.74
20.20.40
11.10.15
17.30.20

9.8
25.1
21.9
21.0
5.66
13.0
13.3
1.5
2.3
12.2
10.2

*PSD Per cent samples deficient

Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
28

Map 2. Level of DTPA-extractable Zn deficiency in soils of different agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh

carbon, very high sand content,

large number of ravines and topsoil losses through runoff (Yadav
and Meena, 2009). Higher Zn
deficiency in deep medium black
soils is attributed to larger removal
of Zn occurring due to increase in
cropping intensity in the area and
irreversible fixation in inert
residual mineral fraction. Zinc
deficiency is generally reported
among crops grown on highly
calcareous soils without its
replenishment. Low availability of
Zn in calcareous soils is associated
with its adsorption on CaCO3.
Zinc deficiency is the most widely
distributed micronutrient problem
globally as well as in India,
occurring on all types of soils
under
extremities
of
environmental conditions. These
include
acid and alkaline soils,
sandy and clayey soils, humid
and/or arid climate, and hot and
cold growing seasons (Singh, 2006;
Meena et al., 2006; Shukla and
Tiwari, 2014). Zinc is an essential
co-factor required for the function

of numerous proteins. In plants, Zn

deficiency is one of the most
widespread mineral deficiencies
and in cereals too it is the most
common
mineral
deficiency
(Marschner, 1995; Ruel and Bouis,
1998). Families consuming Zndeficient grains or produce may
have low Zn content in their blood
plasma compared to those which
are feeding on produce received
from farms regularly fertilized
with Zn (Singh, 2009).

DTPA-extractable Fe
Next to Zn, Fe is critical affecting
soil and crop productivity in MP
which in-turn is reflected on
human health. Overall the Fe
content in different ACZs ranged
from 0.20-420 mg kg-1, with a mean
value of 17.3 mg kg-1; Fe deficiency
expressed itself in 10.2% of the soil
samples. Among the 11 ACZs, Fe
deficiency severely affected the
soils of Central Narmada Valley,
Gird Zone and Jhabua Hills with
an average deficiency of 25.1, 21.9
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
29

and 21.0%, respectively (Map 3;

Table 2). Iron deficiency mainly
occurs in regions characterized by
scant moisture or aridity because
under aerobic soil conditions, iron
is largely insoluble being a
constituent of ferric oxides and/or
hydroxides. Sometime soils are not
deficient in Fe per se but its
deficiency may be induced due to
high levels of Mn or lime content
in the soils. Iron deficiency also
appears in high pH (>7.5), high
carbonate and soluble salt
concentrations and/or in highly
drained soils. Available Fe content
ranged from 0.27 to 64.2 mg kg-1 in
Central Narmada Valley, 0.50 to
94.9 mg kg-1 in Gird Zone and 0.40
to 43.2 mg kg -1 in Jhabua Hills.
Chhattisgarh Plains was the only
region
where available Fe
content was sufficient in all the
samples. Northern Hill zones of
Chhattisgarh and Satpura Plateau
recorded 1.46% and 2.33% soil
samples, respectively as being Fedeficient. Mean available Fe content
in Northern Hill zones of
Chhattisgarh and Satpura Plateau

Map 3. Level of DTPA-extractable Fe deficiency in soils of different agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh

Map 4. Level of DTPA-extractable Mn deficiency in soils of different agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
30

was 34.9 and 20.2 mg kg -1 with a

range of 1.60-200 and 0.79-420 mg
kg-1, respectively. In Nimar Valley
available Fe content range was
narrow varying between 2.20-6.80
mg kg-1, with a mean value of 5.03
mg kg-1.
Iron is taken up by plants as
ferrous (Fe2+) ions. Function of Fe in
plants depends on the ready
transitions between its two
oxidation states viz. Fe3+ and Fe2+ in
solution (Katyal and Deb, 1982). In
MP, soybeans, flax, barley, oats
and other beans are highly
susceptible to Fe deficiency. Iron
deficiency can be effectively
corrected by foliar application of a
0.5% solution of iron sulphate
(FeSO4) at weekly interval.
DTPA-extractable Mn
Manganese content in the soils of
different ACZs of the state varied
from 0.20 to 360 mg kg -1 with a
mean content of 17.1 mg kg-1. With
2.0 mg kg-1 Mn as critical limit, only
1.8% of soil samples exhibited Mn
deficiency. Only three zones,
namely, Nimar Valley, Malwa
Plateau and Gird Zone showed
more than 4.0% of soil samples to
be deficient in Mn. Manganese
content in Nimar Valley ranged
from 1.78 to 24.8 mg kg-1 whereas
in Gird zone it varied from 0.70
to 360 mg kg -1 . In Vindhyachal
Plateau, Kymore
Plateau &

Satpura Hills and Bundelkhand

Zone, incidences of Mn deficiency
were close to 3% with a variation
in Mn content ranging between
0.20-68.1, 0.97-127 and 1.06-78.6
mg kg-1, respectively. None of the
soils samples were observed to be
below the critical level of Mn
deficiency in Jhabua Hills and
Chhattisgarh
Plains (Map 4;
Table 3), indicating its sufficiency
in these zones. Central Narmada
Valley, Northern Hill Zones of
Chhattisgarh and Satpura Plateau
were other zones where Mn
deficiency was almost close to
zero.
Manganese,
an
essential
micronutrient, is needed in the
plants in chloroplast formation,
photosynthesis,
nitrogen
metabolism, and synthesis of
various enzymes. In soils, it is
present in three oxidation states
viz. Mn 2+ , Mn 3+ and Mn 4+; plants
absorb it as Mn2+ ions. Manganese
on release from solid phases into
soil solution, moves to the root
surface by mass flow and diffusion
where it is absorbed as Mn 2+ ion.
Amount of available Mn in soil
depends on soil pH, organic matter
content, moisture and soil aeration
status (Graham, 1984).
DTPA-extractable Cu
Most of the soils in the state did not
show Cu deficiency. The DTPA-Cu

content ranged from 0.01 to 28.0 mg

kg-1 with a mean value of 2.55 mg
kg-1. Among the ACZs, Jhabua Hills
only showed 2.5% Cu deficiency
(Map 5; Table 3). This may be
attributed to fixation of Cu by
organic matter because of existence
of large forest cover in the zone.
Most of the zones did not show Cu
deficiency. However, Cu deficiency
has started emerging in the Gird
Zone (1.3%) and Vindhyachal
Plateau (1.2%) besides Jhabua hills
which could be attributed to the
prevalent intensive agriculture
practices. Because of satisfactory
available Cu status, copper
fertilisers do not constitute a part
of recommendations in many
ACZs of Madhya Pradesh. Copper
in the soil is mainly adsorbed as
the Cu2+ cation on surface of clay
minerals or exists in association
with organic matter. Organic
matter and soil pH predominantly
influence the Cu availability.
Percent
Distribution
of
Micronutrients Based on Critical
Ratings
In order to have a clear picture
about the frequency distribution of
DTPA-extractable micronutrients
in soils of different ACZs of MP, the
status of delineated area was
worked out in different categories.
In case of Zn, soil samples falling in
categories of <0.30, 0.30-0.60, 0.600.90, 0.90-1.20, 1.20-1.80 and >1.80

Table 3. Status of DTPA-extractable Cu and Mn in soils of agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh

S. No.

Agro-climatic zone
mg kg-1
Range

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Bundelkhand Zone
Central Narmada Valley
Chhattisgarh Plains
Gird Zone
Jhabua Hills
Kymore Plateau & Satpura Hills
Malwa Plateau
Nimar Valley
Northen Hills Zone of Chhattisgarh
Satpura Plateau
Vindhyachal Plateau
Overall
(PSD - Percent sample deficient)

0.19-8.40
0.24-11.0
0.09-11.2
0.09-28.0
0.10-11.5
0.09-14.4
0.24-10.8
0.28-5.22
0.21-25.1
0.11-20.5
0.01-15.4
0.01-28.0

Cu
MeanSE

PSD

Range

Mn
MeanSE

1.440.07
1.920.04
3.540.14
1.730.15
2.270.08
1.550.04
2.170.05
1.610.35
5.240.11
3.700.07
1.670.02
2.550.01

0.4
0.5
1.3
2.5
0.3
0.2
1.2
0.6

1.06-78.6*
0.86-35.2
3.95-45.6
0.70-360
3.20-72.2
0.97-127
0.27-53.6
1.78-24.8
1.34-233
1.07-113
0.20-68.1
0.20-360

10.70.39
14.00.25
29.30.73
29.02.43
25.70.56
17.60.49
9.740.26
6.291.66
35.10.68
13.70.26
11.80.17
17.10.20

Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016

31

(mg kg-1)

PSD
2.1
0.4
4.0
2.6
4.3
6.7
0.5
0.5
2.7
1.8

Map 5. Level of DTPA-extractable Cu deficiency in soils of different agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh

mg kg -1 were considered as
acutely
deficient,
deficient,
marginally deficient, adequate,
high
and
very
high,
respectively. Classifying the soils
as per these ratings approximately
66% of the soil samples fell in
the deficient
range.
Out of
these, more than 1/4th of the soil
samples showed acute Zn
deficiency (27.5%) (Figure 1).
Although 17.2% samples of the
state are marginally deficient
with respect to the Zn content,
these are vulnerable to exhibit
Zn deficiency in near future unless
need-based zinc is included in
the fertilisation
schedule.
Surprisingly, only 10 to 11% of
the total samples analyzed fell
in the high to very high Zn
categories.
In case of Fe, soils with <3.50, 3.505.50, 5.50-7.50, 7.50-9.50, 9.50-11.5
and > 11.5 mg kg-1 were categorized
as acutely deficient, deficient,
marginally deficient, adequate,

high and very high, respectively.

Out of total samples, approximately 6.26% samples fell in the
acute deficiency range while 11.3%
were in deficient range (Figure 2).
About 13% samples were in

marginal range which have a

potential to exhibit Fe deficiency in
dry years; 70% of the soils are high
in Fe content and do not currently
need application of Fe-fertilisers.
But a maintenance dose is needed

Figure 1. Percent distribution of samples under different Zn critical ratings

Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
32

for 20% of the soils falling in the

range of 7.50-11.5 mg kg-1.
Soil with <2.0, 2.0-4.0, 4.0-6.0, 6.08.0, 8.0-10.0 and >10.0 mg DTPA-Mn
kg -1 were categorized as acutely
deficient, deficient, marginally
deficient, adequate, high and very
high, respectively. Out of total
samples analyzed for Mn, about
11% samples need immediate
attention for Mn fertilization
(Figure 3); 55.2% soils having
more than 10 mg DTPA-Mn kg -1
could be managed through
application of organic manures/
compost. Remaining about 34% of
the soils require maintenance dose
of Mn once in three years for
sustaining high crop productivity.
Similarly, Cu deficiency is
negligible in the state (Figure 4)
and does not pose any serious
threat to the crop production.
Multi-micronutrient Deficiencies
in Different Agro-climatic Zones
Multi-micronutrient deficiencies in
Indian soils are an emerging issue
in agriculture due to faster
depletion of soil fertility catalyzed
by use of high analysis fertilisers
in the intensively cultivated areas
under
exhaustive
cropping
sequences. Deficiencies of two
micronutrients together have been
observed in some districts of the
state; however, simultaneous
deficiencies of three or more than
three are a very rare occurrence.
Among the multi-micronutrient
combinations, deficiency of ZnFe
was maximum (8.3%) followed by
ZnMn (1.5%), FeMn (0.7%), ZnFeMn
(0.6%), ZnCu (0.5%), FeCu (0.2%)
and ZnFeCu (0.2%) (Figure 5).
Similarly,
multi-nutrient
deficiencies in soils have been
reported across the country
(Dwivedi et al., 2009; Shukla et al.,
2012). Under such situations
sustained soil-crop productivity
could
be
obtained
by
simultaneously managing all the
deficient elements in the soil.
Management of an individual
micronutrient may not be effective
in achieving the potential of crop
and there are chances of getting
produce of low or inferior quality.
Since simultaneous occurrence of
deficiencies of three or more than
three micronutrients is rather rare,

Figure 2. Percent distribution of samples under different Fe critical ratings

Figure 3. Percent distribution of samples under different Mn critical ratings

application
of
multimicronutrient- fertilisers may not
be a sustainable practice for
maximizing the crop production.
Micronutrient Recommendations
for Different Crops/Cropping
System(s)
Micronutrient demands and
response to applied micronutrient
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
33

fertilisers
depend
on
soil
characteristics, crop/plant types,
agro-climatic
factors,
field
variability, crop sensitivity and
fertiliser products. Advance tools,
like
GPS and GIS, facilitate
accurate and precise location and
the development of digital maps
for
making
site-specific
recommendations. Commonly, soil
micronutrient levels vary between

Figure 4. Percent distribution of samples under different Cu critical ratings

has won the laurels in form of

bagging Krishi Karman Award of
the Government of India for last
four consecutive years due to
constant increase in cropping
intensity, irrigation facilities and
management practices including
balanced
fertilization
with
combined efforts of farmers,
scientists
and
Government
organizations.
However,
continuous
removal
of
micronutrients in the quest of
achieving higher productivity
may lead to increase in the
emergence of their deficiencies. We
have developed soil micronutrient
deficiency maps to foster the
relationships
between
soil
micronutrient content, their
availability and crop productivity
in different ACZs of MP. This will
improve our understanding on
precision
management
of
spatially-variable
soil
micronutrient availability to the
crops. Frequency distribution of
micronutrients based on variable
critical ratings will provide
quantitative support to the
decision and policy makers to
further improve and refine the
existing agricultural approaches
leading to balanced micronutrient
nutrition. Fertilization packages
with micronutrient(s) can provide
an immediate and effective
solution to increase soil-crop
productivity and quality of
produce without deteriorating the
soil health, particularly in the areas
where
severe
micronutrient
deficiencies have been observed.

References

Figure 5. Multi-micronutrients deficiencies in soils of Madhya Pradesh

and within the field due to changes

in soil pH, soil organic matter, top
soil thickness, drainage and
landscape position. Understanding
a
crops
specific
nutrient
requirements
will
help
in
improving the prediction of
micronutrient
needs
and
maximizing economic benefits out
of the nutrient management
programmes.
Detailed
recommendations
of

micronutrient(s) along with rates

and frequency of application for
different crops and cropping
systems (Shukla et al., 2012) in
state are given in Table 4.

Conclusion
It is well recognized that
micronutrient deficiencies pose a
serious concern in sustaining soilcrop productivity, animal and
human health. Madhya Pradesh
Indian Journal of Fertilisers, March 2016
34

Dwivedi, B.S., Dhyan-Singh, Tiwari,

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Table 4. Recommendations of micronutrient(s) for different crops and cropping systems

Zinc
Rice, wheat
soils in alternate years
Linseed
Maize
Gram
Mustard
Niger, groundnut,
sorghum, soybean
Kodo, black gram,
ragi, bajra
Soybean-wheat,
rice-wheat

Sorghum-wheat
Soybean-chickpea,
urid-chickpea, mustard
Copper
Wheat, bajra, mustard
Iron
Soybean, wheat, gram,
sorghum, chickpea
interval is advised.
Manganese
Soybean- wheat,
rice-wheat
for these crops.

Apply 5 kg Zn ha-1 (25 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal in medium black, red and yellow and alluvial
Apply 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 (12.5 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal in mixed red and black soil
Apply 3.75 kg Zn ha-1 (18.75 kg ZnSO4.7 H2O ha-1) as basal in mixed red and black soil or
spray 0.6% ZnSO4.7H2O + 0.3% Ca (OH)2 solution twice.
Application of 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 (12.5 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal is recommended in medium
black soil.
Apply 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 (12.5 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal in black and alluvial soils.
Apply 3.75 kg Zn ha-1 (18.7 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal in mixed black and red soils.
Apply 2.5 kg Zn ha-1(12.5 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal to each crop in mixed black and
red soils.
Application of 10 kg Zn ha-1 (50 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal to soybean and rice in soybeanwheat and rice-wheat system respectively is recommended in medium black soils once in three
years. Alternatively application of 5 kg Zn ha-1 (25 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) + 5 t FYM/poultry
manure ha-1 is sufficient for three rice-wheat/soybean-wheat cropping sequences in medium
black soils.
Farmyard manure should be applied to first rice/soybean crop before rain.
Apply 15 kg Zn ha-1(75 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1) as basal to wheat in sorghum-wheat cropping
system once in three years in medium black soils.
Apply 5 kg Zn + 200 kg FYM (Zn incubated with FYM for 30 days) to first crop of the
cropping system in medium black and alluvial soils once in a three years.
Apply 2.5 kg Cu ha-1 as basal to each crop in alluvial soils. Alternatively annual application
of 5 t organic manure ha-1 is sufficient for these crops.
Application of 10 kg Fe ha-1 as basal or spraying of 1-2% FeSO4 solution twice to each crop is
recommended in medium black and mixed red and black soils. In dryland situations, basal
application of Fe should be avoided. Application of three foliar sprays of 0.5% FeSO4 at a weekly
Apply 5 kg Mn ha-1 as basal or spray 1% MnSO4.3H2O solution twice on each crop in red and
yellow and alluvial soils. Alternatively annual application of organic manure @ 5 t ha-1 is sufficient

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