advisory.title

Understanding Crop Growth Stages

Every crop goes through critical phases where its nutritional and water needs change drastically.

• Vegetative Stage: Focus on Nitrogen (N) rich fertilizers to support leaf and stem growth. Ensure consistent soil moisture.
• Reproductive Stage (Flowering): Shift towards Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) to support flower and fruit development. Avoid water stress during this critical period.
• Maturation: Reduce irrigation to harden the crop and prevent fungal issues before harvest.

Sustainable Water Management

Water is a precious resource. Implementing drip irrigation can reduce water usage by up to 50% compared to flood irrigation, while also reducing weed growth and soil erosion. Always water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation losses. Mulching your soil helps retain moisture and regulates soil temperature.