Like every other crop, NARC G1 garlic also needs fertilizers for healthy growth. Potash (K) plays a major role in this regard. Multiple fertilizers are needed to be used for proper growth of NARC G1 garlic crop. These fertilizers include DAP Nutraful, Cheetah Potash, Cheetah Sulphur, Boron and Potassium Humate. Each of these fertilizers must be used according to the prescribed quantity for NARC G1 garlic crop.
These fertilizers should be used at certain stages of NARC G1 garlic growth. Banu Mukhtar Farms uses the best mix of fertilizers in the fields which is why their NARC G1 seed is deemed the best in the market. A detailed guidance about the quantity and the timing to use these fertilizers is given below.
Recommended Fertilizers for NARC G1 Garlic (N; P; K)/acre (kg)
N; P; K at the rate of 110; 100; 140 Kg/acre is recommended for G1 garlic. Basal dose for G1 garlic is given below
Basal Dose
| Basal Dose | Quantity |
| DAP Nutraful | 2 Bag/acre |
| Cheetah Potash | 1 Bag/acre |
| Cheetah Sulphur | 25 kg/acre |
| Boron | 3 Kg/acre |
| Potasium Humate | 10 kg/acre |
The remaining fertilizers should be applied through drip irrigation on daily basis while in flood irrigation it should be applied at different stages.
Phosphorus application must be completed up to 120 days.
Nitrogen application must be completed up to 150 days.
Potash application must be completed up to 180 days.
Role of Potash in NARC HG1 Garlic
Potassium is involved in many processes in plants, from water regulation, through production of energy:
• Regulates stomata opening/closing – in order to open the stomata, potassium is actively pumped into the guard cells (the cells that surround the stomata). This reduces the osmotic potential inside the cell and water enters. Stomata closess when potassium is pumped out of the guard cells.
• Influences the photosynthesis process and respiration: Potassium affects gas exchange (CO2 and O2) with the atmosphere, by regulating opening and closing of the stomata. Potassium is involved in the synthesis of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), which all cells use for energy.
• Regulates and improves water uptake – potassium that accumulates in root cells results in water entering the root.
• Activates enzymes – potassium is needed for the activation of many enzymes. It changes the three-dimensional structure of the enzymes and, as a result, their rate of reaction and affinity for the substrate increases.
• Required for protein metabolism. When there is no sufficient potassium supply, protein synthesis stops.
• Required for proper uptake and use of other nutrients, such as nitrate (NO3) which is required for protein synthesis. Potassium accompanies nitrate, as a counter-ion, as it translocate within the plant.
- The rate of respiration by plants is largely the determining factor for proper uptake and transport of potassium by plants. Its uptake is dependent on sufficient energy (ATP).
- Potassium plays a vital role in the trans-location of essential nutrients, water, and other substances from the roots through the stem to the leaves.
- It is also made available through fertilizers in the form of K2O. Plant tissues analyze the form in these fertilizers and convert it in a more bio-available form.
- It is absorbed in the form of ions- K+.
- It is considered vital after nitrogen as far as nutrients needed by plants is concerned.
- It is also termed “the quality nutrient” for its contributing factor in a number of biological and chemical processes in plants
What Does Potash Deficiency Causes in NARC HG1 Garlic?
Regardless of its availability from soils, potassium deficiency may occur and might start from the lower leaves and progress towards other vital parts of the plants.
Deficiency might cause abnormalities in plants affecting reproduction and growth. Severity depends on with the type of plant and soil.
Some potassium deficiency symptoms may include:
- Chlorosis: May cause yellowing of leaves, the margin of the leaves may fall off, and also lead to shedding and defoliation of the leaves.
- Stunted growth: Potassium being an important growth catalyst, its deficiency or insufficient quantity might lead to slow growth or poor developed roots and stems.
- Poor resistance to ecological changes: Reduced availability of potassium will directly result in less fluid circulation and trans-location of nutrients in plants. This will directly make plants susceptible to temperature changes.
Common Potash fertilizers
Potassium chloride (Muriate of potash, MOP):
Formula: KCl
Composition: 60% potassium as K2O (50% K) and 45% Cl- .
Potassium nitrate:
Formula: KNO3
Composition: 13% nitrate nitrogen and 46% potassium as K2O
Potassium sulfate (Sulfate of potash, SOP):
Formula: K2SO4
Composition: 52% potassium as K20 (43% K) and 54% SO4.