DAP Fertilizer: Uses, Benefits and Application

Table of Contents

• What is DAP Fertilizer?

• • What is Nano DAP?

• How do you Apply DAP Fertilizers to your Crop?
• What are the Benefits of DAP Fertilizer?
• What are the Disadvantages of DAP Fertilizer?
• Points to Consider while Applying DAP Fertilizer
• What are the Government Subsidies and Schemes to Promote DAP Application?
• Conclusion

What is DAP Fertilizer?

A DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertilizer is a common water-soluble fertilizer, known for its excellent physical properties and high nutrient content. It is rich in Nitrogen and Phosphorus, which are two major macro-nutrients. The NPK ratio of DAP fertilizer is 18:46:0, which falls under the high nutrient grade. It is among the most common types of fertilizers used in India as it is suitable for almost all kinds of crops.

What is Nano DAP?

A nano DAP is a liquid fertilizer that has nanoparticles and is an efficient source of Nitrogen (8%) and Phosphorus (16%) for all crops. Due to the less than 100 Nanometre (Nm) particle size, it can easily enter the seed surface or through stomata and other plant openings. Better spread-ability ensures good seed development and more chlorophyll and photosynthetic efficiency.

How do you Apply DAP Fertilizers to your Crop?

The application of DAP fertilizer depends upon crop growth. Usually, it is applied in the initial stages of crop development to provide essential nutrients. DAP fertilizer can be applied using various methods, including:

• Broadcasting: Equal Distribution of granules over the soil surface.
• Side-Dressing: Apply fertilizer beside plant rows on different growth stages.
• Seed-Row Placement: During sowing, fertilizer should be placed in a planting row.
• Fertigation: Dissolve DAP with water and then apply it through the irrigation system.
• Drones: Now, they can also be applied precisely and remotely with the help of drones.

What are the Benefits of DAP Fertilizer?

• DAP fertilizer supplies both nitrogen and phosphorus, which ensures balanced nutrient intake and the development of healthy fruits and flowers in a plant. This results in better root development and plant growth.
• DAP fertilizer helps in the development of more leaves and branches due to enough nutrient absorption. Thus, it provides a lush-looking plant.
• DAP khaad can be applied to almost all types of crops, including grains, fruits, cereals and vegetables.
• It is dust-free and easy to store fertilizer; thus, it can be stored for a longer time.
• The regular use of Phosphorus also keeps the plant free from any diseases. So, DAP fertilizers also act as disease-resistant.

What are the Disadvantages of DAP Fertilizer?

Apart from the benefits, there are also some disadvantages of DAP fertilizer. Have a look at the below points:

• The excessive use of DAP fertilizer can deteriorate soil fertility.
• Its overspreading can kill many essential microorganisms present in the soil.
• It can also cause leaf chlorosis.
• It can probably lead to high water pollution and contamination.
• The presence of ammonium after the DAP granules start dissolving can absorb and damage the roots of the seedlings.

Points to Consider while Applying DAP Fertilizer

The following points need to be considered while applying DAP fertilizer to your crops:

Soil Testing: Soil testing is a very important step for the efficient use of DAP fertilizer. Test the soil to determine nutrient requirement or nitrogen and phosphorus content.

Right Amount of Fertilizer Dose: The excessive use of fertilizer is not good for the crop. Always determine the right amount of fertilizer according to the crop needs.

DAP Placement: Improper spreading of DAP fertilizer can cause seedling injury. DAP should be placed below the seed, slightly to one side.

What are the Government Subsidies and Schemes to Promote DAP Application?

The Union Cabinet has given approval to extend the one-time special package on DAP beyond the NBS subsidy from 1^st Jan, 2025 to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers. The total budget would be approximately up to Rs. 3,850 cr.

The government implemented One Nation One Fertilizer by introducing a single brand for fertilizer and logo under fertilizer subsidy scheme, Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana, in 2022 with the aim of increasing the availability of fertilizers in the market.

Conclusion

As we have come to the end of this blog, let’s quickly sum up all the points. DAP is a water-soluble fertilizer, rich in macro-nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus). The right amount of fertilizer is essential for better root development, nutrient-rich crops and healthy fruits and flowers in a plant. Always choose the right amount of fertilizer to sprinkle over the crops so that it won’t lead to soil deterioration. Apply DAP fertilizer if you need a quick boost of phosphorus for plant growth and a readily available and affordable fertilizer option.