Agronomic Traits and Nitrogen Fixation
Dhaincha thrives under diverse agro-climatic conditions, tolerating waterlogging, heavy clay soils, and moderate salinity. Its deep taproot system loosens subsoil compaction and mines nutrients from deeper soil horizons.
In symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria, it forms abundant nodules on both roots and lower stems, fixing substantial atmospheric nitrogen.
- Biomass production: Produces 15 to 25 tonnes of succulent green biomass per hectare within 50 days of sowing.
- Nitrogen contribution: Adds 80 to 120 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare, significantly reducing basal urea requirements in succeeding paddy.
- Soil reclamation: Its root exudates and decomposing organic acids neutralize exchangeable sodium, improving soil structure in sodic lands.
- Waterlogging tolerance: Develops spongy aerenchyma tissues that allow continuous growth even in submerged, flooded field basins.
Sowing, Management, and Incorporation Practices
Dhaincha is sown in May or June with the onset of pre-monsoon showers, allowing succulent vegetative growth before kharif transplanting.
Incorporating the crop into the soil at the pre-flowering stage ensures rapid microbial decomposition and nutrient release.
- Seed rate: Broadcast 20 to 25 kg of clean dhaincha seeds per acre into moist, cultivated soil.
- Incorporation timing: Ploughed down at 45 to 55 days after sowing using a disc plough or rotavator when stems are tender and succulent.
- Decomposition window: Maintain 5 to 7 cm of standing water for 7 to 10 days after incorporation to allow complete anaerobic decomposition before paddy transplanting.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why is dhaincha considered an ideal green manure crop before paddy?
It grows rapidly, tolerates waterlogging, produces high organic biomass, and fixes substantial atmospheric nitrogen in just 45 to 50 days.
At what stage should dhaincha be ploughed back into the soil?
Incorporate it at the early flowering stage (45 to 55 days after sowing) when the plant tissues are tender and decompose quickly.
Does dhaincha help in reclaiming saline or alkaline (usar) soils?
Yes, its organic acids and high biomass lower soil pH, improve porosity, and displace exchangeable sodium, helping reclaim sodic soils.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Seeds, Crops & Cultivation guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.