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Paddy tillering-stage top-dressing (15-40 DAT)

The active-tillering nitrogen top-dressing is the second split in the ICAR/TNAU three-split paddy nitrogen schedule. It is applied during the active-tillering window, typically 20-30 days after transplanting (DAT), and supplies the single largest share of seasonal N to drive maximum productive-tiller development.

Principle

Paddy tiller number is set during the first half of the vegetative phase. Tillers initiated during active tillering go on to produce productive panicles; tillers initiated later (during late tillering and panicle initiation) usually remain unproductive. Adequate nitrogen during this window is therefore the strongest single agronomic determinant of yield potential, alongside variety and water management.

Implementation

Standard package-of-practices:

  • Timing: 20-30 DAT, when the crop is in active tillering; precise timing is adjusted by variety duration (earlier for short-duration, later for long-duration types).
  • Nitrogen share: approximately one-third of seasonal N, applied as Urea.
  • Potash: a portion of the K2O dose may be applied at this stage if the basal schedule was split (see Paddy First Dose Fertilizer).
  • Optional complex: Complex 20 20 0 13 may substitute part of the urea on sulphur-deficient soils, supplying both N and S in one application.

Urea is broadcast on the wet field in the morning when winds are calm; standing water depth is kept shallow at the time of application to minimise volatilisation losses and rebuilt after 24-48 hours.

Adoption context

This split is the standard recommendation across Indian paddy belts. The leaf colour chart (LCC) is increasingly used to refine the dose to actual crop nitrogen status; need-based application using LCC reduces total urea consumption and improves nitrogen-use efficiency.

Limitations

If water management is poor at application, gaseous and leaching losses can claim 30-50% of the applied N. Alternate wetting-and-drying or shallow-flood management is needed to retain the dose. On alkaline soils, ammoniacal alternatives (see Ammonium Sulphate Paddy) reduce volatilisation losses compared with surface-applied urea.

See also: Paddy First Dose Fertilizer, Paddy Third Dose Fertilizer, Urea, Muriate Of Potash, Complex 20 20 0 13, Ammonium Sulphate Paddy.

References

  1. Paddy Nutrient Management. TNAU Expert System.
  2. Rice Nutrient Calculator. IRRI Rice Knowledge Bank.