The correct answer is: Phosphorus.
Phosphorus is a macronutrient that is essential for plant growth. It is involved in many important plant processes, including energy production, photosynthesis, and cell division. Phosphorus is also a major component of plant DNA and RNA.
Haryana’s soils are naturally deficient in phosphorus. This is due to the fact that the soil in Haryana is derived from the parent material of the Aravalli Hills, which is low in phosphorus. The low phosphorus content of the soil in Haryana can limit crop yields.
To overcome the phosphorus deficiency in Haryana’s soils, farmers can apply phosphorus fertilizers. Phosphorus fertilizers can be applied to the soil before planting, or they can be applied to the soil during the growing season. Phosphorus fertilizers can also be applied to the soil as a foliar spray.
Phosphorus fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, and triple superphosphate. The type of phosphorus fertilizer that is used will depend on the crop that is being grown, the soil type, and the climate.
Phosphorus fertilizers should be applied according to the recommendations of a soil test. A soil test will determine the amount of phosphorus that is needed to correct the phosphorus deficiency in the soil.
Phosphorus fertilizers should be applied carefully, as too much phosphorus can be harmful to plants. Over-application of phosphorus can lead to the accumulation of phosphorus in the soil, which can pollute groundwater and surface water.
In addition to applying phosphorus fertilizers, farmers can also improve the phosphorus content of the soil by adding organic matter to the soil. Organic matter, such as compost, manure, and green manure, can help to improve the soil’s ability to hold phosphorus.
Farmers can also improve the phosphorus content of the soil by planting cover crops. Cover crops are plants that are grown between cash crops. Cover crops can help to improve the soil’s structure, increase the soil’s organic matter content, and reduce soil erosion.
By taking these steps, farmers can improve the phosphorus content of the soil in Haryana and increase crop yields.