Managing Soil Nutrients for Cinnamon Cultivation
To ensure plant roots effectively absorb soil nutrients, it’s crucial to preserve soil moisture using conservation methods, maintain optimal soil acidity, and promote beneficial soil microorganisms through proper soil management practices. Dolomite is utilized to regulate soil acidity, and fertilization should be performed at least six weeks after dolomite application.
Integrated plant nutrient management is also essential, combining half (50 g) of the recommended inorganic fertilizer mixture annually with one kilogram of compost manure per cinnamon bush, ideal for its perennial nature.
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Table 01: Fertilizer Application Amounts for the First Year Based on Crop Spacing |
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Nutrient |
Fertilizer Type |
Grams per Bush (4 x 3 ft) |
Grams per Bush (4 x 2 ft) |
Kilograms per Acre |
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N – Nitrogen |
Urea |
17 |
11 |
60 |
|
P – Phosphorus |
Muriate of Potash |
8 |
6 |
30 |
|
K – Potassium |
Eppawala Rock Phosphate |
8 |
6 |
30 |
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Table 02: Fertilizer Application Amounts for the Second Year According to Crop Spacing |
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Nutrient |
Fertilizer Type |
Grams per Bush (4 x 3 ft) |
Grams per Bush (4 x 2 ft) |
Kilograms per Acre |
|
N – Nitrogen |
Urea |
34 |
22 |
120 |
|
P – Phosphorus |
Muriate of Potash |
17 |
11 |
60 |
|
K- Potassium |
Eppawala Rock Phosphate |
17 |
11 |
60 |
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Table 03: Fertilizer Application Amounts for the Third Year According to Crop Spacing |
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|
Nutrient |
Fertilizer Type |
Grams per Bush (4 x 3 ft) |
Grams per Bush (4 x 2 ft) |
Kilograms per Acre |
|
N – Nitrogen |
Urea |
50 |
33 |
180 |
|
P – Phosphorus |
Muriate of Potash |
25 |
16 |
90 |
|
K – Potassium |
Eppavala Rock Phosphate |
25 |
16 |
90 |
Growers should seek advice from the Cinnamon Development Department based on on-site soil sample test results, considering current weather conditions, environmental concerns, and financial constraints when determining fertilizer usage.