The bamboo plants are heavy feeders, and even rich soils can be washed away after a few years if no fertilizer is applied. Fertilisers are used to achieve good quality and yield. Potassium, Phosphorous and Nitrogen are vital components of fertiliser. Apply green manures, organic compost, and wood ash along with fertiliser.

Manuring and fertilization can be done after proper soil testing and analysis. It is to be noted that under normal soil conditions, the composition of NPK should be 5:2:1 or 4:2:1. Plantations for the production of culms, chemical fertilizer application may be to the extent of 1,500 kilograms per hectare per year and for shoot production, the fertiliser application required may go up to 4,000 kilograms per hectare per year. A general dosage norm that may be followed is 150 grams N + 150 grams P + 150 grams K.

Bamboo responds well with NPK and dry farm yard manure or vermicompost. 15–20 kg of manure or compost can be added to the clump to promote growth. Alternatively, in the case of on-farm or high-intensity managed matured bamboo plantations, 0.5–1 kg of NPK fertilizer can be added per well-grown clump.