How Sustainability and Efficient Fertilizer Use Are Changing DAP Application Practices

Diammonium phosphate, or DAP, has always been an important participant in the fertilizer industry in India, particularly due to its importance in the initial stages of plant growth in the kharif and rabi seasons. As mentioned in the India Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Market analysis by Coherent Market Insights, the demand for DAP in India is highly seasonal, particularly during the sowing period when it is used as a basal fertilizer. However, increasing demands for sustainability and the growing importance of resource use efficiency are slowly altering the consumption patterns of DAP in Indian agriculture.

Shift toward Balanced and Need-Based Fertilization

The application pattern of DAP in India is gradually moving away from indiscriminate application to balanced and need-based nutrient management. Overuse of phosphatic fertilizers has been associated with soil nutrient lock-in, reduced soil health, and environmental problems like phosphorus runoff. To counter these problems, farmers are turning to soil testing and crop-wise nutrient requirements for optimizing DAP application.

Government programs and activities related to soil health cards and agronomic advisory services are at the forefront of this change, encouraging the use of fertilizers based on actual soil and crop requirements. In August 2025, the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme continued to support balanced fertilizer use nationwide. Since its introduction in the agricultural planning of India in 2022-23, the Soil Health Card Scheme has distributed more than USD 3.01 million (INR 25 crore) Soil Health Cards until mid-2025. This has been promoting the use of fertilizers, including DAP, in an efficient manner.

(Source: The Sentinel)

Efficiency Gains through Precision and Placement

Effective fertilizer utilization is also shaping the way DAP is used. Given the fact that DAP is mainly utilized at sowing, there is a focus on precision placement methods, such as band placement around the seed zone, to enhance phosphorus utilization and minimize losses. This is to ensure that the crops are supplied with nutrients during the early stages of growth while avoiding wastage.

In areas where irrigation and mechanized farming are common, precision sowing machines are making it possible to apply fertilizers more accurately. Even in rain-fed areas, there is a focus on the right timing, which is closely associated with the onset of monsoons, to avoid losses of nutrients due to delayed or patchy rainfall.

Changing Farmer Behavior and Awareness

Farmer behavior is changing along with the sustainability messaging. With the increasing cost of inputs and an understanding of the importance of sustainable soil health, farmers are increasingly recognizing the importance of efficient DAP use. The predictable crop response to well-timed and well-dosed DAP application encourages more disciplined purchasing and application behavior, especially in areas where crop yields are directly associated with early nutrient availability.

For instance, in December 2024, the Government of India appealed for the sustainable and efficient use of fertilizers in a manner that reduces the adverse impacts on the environment. The government urged a halt to the indiscriminate use of fertilizers and the adoption of balanced fertilization practices through technology.

(Source: The Indian Express)

Conclusion

Sustainability and optimal use of fertilizer are slowly bringing about a change in the way DAP is being used in India. Although the demand patterns, which are based on the kharif and rabi seasons, are still impacting the use of DAP, the factors of sustainability are slowly bringing about a change in the way DAP is being used in the country. Precision application, balancing, government policies, and sustainability awareness are slowly bringing about a change in the way DAP is being used in India.

FAQs

• Why is DAP mostly used during the sowing seasons in India?
  • DAP is used as a basal fertilizer to promote early root development, and hence, it is mostly used during the kharif and rabi sowing seasons.
• How does soil testing affect the use of DAP?
  • Soil testing helps farmers to use DAP in a way that is not wasteful and helps in phosphorus use efficiency.
• What is the importance of precision placement in the efficiency of DAP?
  • Precision placement of DAP near the seed zone helps in enhancing nutrient uptake, avoiding losses, and promoting early crop growth.
• How is sustainability impacting the practices of DAP application?
  • Farmers are now using DAP in combination with other organic materials and biofertilizers to promote soil health and sustainability.
• Does efficient use of DAP help in lowering farming costs?
  • Yes, optimized use helps in reducing fertilizer wastage, increasing yields, and helping farmers to cope with increasing input costs.