Context:
Interim budget announced the expansion of the application of Nano DAP on various crops in all agro climatic zones.
Nano DAP Fertiliser:
- Nano DAP – A unique liquid fertilizer product that contains nanoparticles of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP).
- Features – Source of nitrogen and phosphorus (2 key primary nutrients essential for the growth of crops)
- Contains 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume.
- Comes in liquid form, unlike conventional DAP which is in granular form
Advantages of Nano DAP:
- Higher Crop Yield – Due to small size and more surface area to volume ratio, it enhances nutrient availability to crops
- Reduction in Chemical Fertilizer Usage – One bottle of Nano DAP can potentially replace the phosphorus requirement met by conventional DAP by 50%.
- Environment Friendly – Precision and targeted application of Nano DAP leads to agriculture sustainability and safety of the environment by reducing soil, air and water pollution.
Di-Ammonium Phosphate:
- 2nd most commonly used fertilizers in India after urea.
- Feature – High in phosphorus (P) that stimulates root establishment and development
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem Coated Urea’ in agriculture?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms.
(b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil.
(c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into the atmosphere by crop fields.
(d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertiliser for particular crops
Answer: (b)
