Hindi terminology: Khad versus Urvarak
- Urvarak (उर्वरक): Synthetic or commercially manufactured mineral chemical fertilizers containing concentrated plant nutrients (e.g., Urea, DAP, NPK complex).
- Khad (खाद): Natural organic manures prepared through the decomposition of plant and animal residues (e.g., Gobar ki khad, Vermicompost, Compost).
- Jaivik Urvarak (जैविक उर्वरक): Biofertilizers containing living beneficial microbes that fix atmospheric nitrogen or solubilize soil phosphorus.
Primary plant nutrients and common chemical fertilizers
- Nitrogen (N) - Urea: Promotes vegetative leaf growth, tillering, and vibrant dark-green foliar chlorophyll development.
- Phosphorus (P) - DAP and Single Superphosphate (SSP): Stimulates vigorous root growth, early seedling establishment, and sturdy stems.
- Potassium (K) - Muriate of Potash (MOP): Enhances drought resistance, grain filling, disease tolerance, and crop quality.
- Secondary nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulphur, essential for oilseeds and pulse protein synthesis.
Balanced fertilizer use based on Soil Health Cards
Imbalanced urea application without phosphorus, potash, or organic manure degrades soil structure, acidifies the root zone, and causes excessive vegetative growth vulnerable to pests. Farmers should apply fertilizers in split doses based on quantitative recommendations provided on their Soil Health Card.
Official source
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Soil Health Card Portal (Govt of India) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the difference between Khad and Urvarak in Hindi?
Khad (खाद) refers to natural organic manures like compost and cow dung, while Urvarak (उर्वरक) refers to manufactured chemical fertilizers like Urea and DAP.
What are the three primary nutrients in chemical fertilizers?
The three primary macronutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
How can a farmer determine the right fertilizer dosage?
By testing field soil samples through the Soil Health Card scheme, which provides crop-specific fertilizer recommendations.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Fertilizers & Crop Nutrition guides
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