Crop Response and Economics of Phosphorus Fertilizer Application in Rice, Wheat and Maize in the Indo-Gangetic Plains
Phosphorus deficiency is widespread in Indian soils and response of cereals to applied P is often spectacular. P use has increased significantly with increasing food grain production in India. Recent increase in P fertilizer cost, however, has raised concerns about the profitability of P application in cereals. Economic assessment based on application rates, nutrient response, cost of phosphate and minimum support price of the cereals showed substantial return on investment. A mechanism of optimizing return on investment in P fertilizer in changing fertilizer price scenario and variable crop P response situations was highlighted. In general, a crop response based site specific P management strategy would help in maximizing yield and profitability of major cereals under increasing fertilizer price scenario.
