Sesamum, commonly known as til in India, is one of the oldest oilseed crops cultivated by farmers. It is valued for its high-quality edible oil, which is rich in protein and healthy fats. Sesamum grows well in warm climates and can tolerate drought, making it a good crop for rainfed areas. However, to get good yield and oil content, farmers must pay attention to nutrient management — supplying the right balance of fertilizers and organic matter at the right time.
1. Importance of nutrient management
Though sesamum is often grown on marginal or less fertile soils, it still requires essential nutrients for proper growth. A balanced nutrient supply helps the crop develop strong roots, more branches, better flowering, and healthy seed formation. Poor nutrition results in short plants, fewer capsules, and low oil content. Therefore, applying organic manure along with chemical fertilizers gives the best results.
2. Land preparation and organic manure
Before sowing, prepare the field well by giving 2–3 ploughings and leveling the soil. Sesamum grows best in well-drained sandy loam soil with good organic matter.
During land preparation, mix 5–10 tonnes of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost per hectare. Organic matter improves soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity, which helps in better nutrient absorption by the crop.
If FYM is not available, farmers can use vermicompost or green manure crops like sunhemp before planting sesamum. This not only enriches the soil but also reduces the need for high doses of chemical fertilizers.
3. Recommended fertilizer dose
The nutrient requirement of sesamum varies depending on soil type, fertility level, and region. However, on average, the recommended fertilizer dose is around:
Nitrogen (N): 30–40 kg per hectare
Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 20–30 kg per hectare
Potassium (K₂O): 20 kg per hectare
Apply the full dose of phosphorus and potassium and half of the nitrogen basally before sowing. The remaining half of nitrogen should be applied as a top dressing about 30 days after sowing, when the plants start branching.
If irrigation facilities are available, this top dressing can be done after a light irrigation to ensure good absorption.
4. Role of micronutrients
In addition to the major nutrients, sesamum also needs small quantities of sulphur, zinc, and boron for better yield and oil content.
Apply sulphur at 20 kg per hectare through gypsum or elemental sulphur.
If zinc deficiency is noticed (yellowing of leaves and poor growth), apply zinc sulphate (25 kg per hectare) once every 2–3 years.
Foliar spray of borax (0.2%) during flowering helps improve seed set and oil percentage.
5. Biofertilizers and sustainable options
Use of biofertilizers such as Azospirillum or Rhizobium for nitrogen fixation and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) for phosphorus availability can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. Seeds can be treated with these biofertilizers before sowing. This promotes root growth and improves yield in a natural way.
6. Additional tips
Avoid overuse of nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor capsule formation.
Maintain proper soil moisture during critical stages like flowering and capsule development.
Conduct a soil test before sowing to decide the exact fertilizer dose based on local conditions.
Conclusion
Balanced nutrient management is the key to a healthy and productive sesamum crop. Combining organic manure, recommended fertilizers, and biofertilizers ensures better plant growth, higher yield, and improved oil quality. By taking care of soil health and applying nutrients wisely, farmers can make sesamum a profitable and sustainable crop for their fields year after year.
