Effects of induced water deficit and biofertilization on growth dynamics and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepaL.) in a neotropical semi-arid environment

Abstract

In a scenario of world population increase and climate change, an efficient use of water is key for agricultural production. Onion is one of the most profitable crops and can adapt to particular conditions of water stress. The objective of this research was to determine growing degree-days (GDD) and accumulated radiation under non-stress conditions, and yield of an F1 2000 hybrid of onion (Allium cepa L.) under water deficit and biofertilization in a semi-arid environment. An established nutrient requirement of 247 kg N, 240 kg P2O5 (105 kg P), 240 kg K2O (199 kg K) and two irrigation factors were applied: normal irrigation (NI) with a daily and water deficit (WD) with a three-day interval irrigation frequencies. The effect of biofertilization was evaluated through the inoculation of a microbial consortium in combination with four NPK fertilizer treatments. The crop accumulated 1334 °Cd and 1188 MJ m-2 d-1 at the time of harvest at 71 days after transplanting (DAT). The yield was 36 t ha-1, similar under both irrigation conditions; and the WD treatment resulted in a 35% water savings, a 47% and 65% increase in water use efficiency (WUE) and modulus of elasticity, respectively. The microbial consortium resulted in a 50% NPK savings under non-limiting water conditions and produced a similar yield compared to the 100% NPK non-inoculated control. The lower irrigation frequency together with the 100% NPK fertilization dose without the microbial consortium, and the use of the microorganisms and the 50% NPK treatment without water stress are recommended as agrosustainable practices for onion production.

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“…Thus, the introduction of biologised and green manurefertiliser systems with a complex of microbial preparations that can be actively involved in the systems of growing agricultural plants according to the principles of organic farming, determine the optimal level of supply of plants with mobile compounds of phosphorus (241-281 mg/kg) and potassium (121-130 mg/kg) with an excess of 69-75% of the corresponding indicators on the control variant. The effectiveness of a complex of microbial preparations in combination with organic and green manure fertilisers has also been proven by studies conducted in Venezuela (Blanco et al, 2021), in IndiaParray et al, (2016), Spain- Barea et al, (2013).…”

Water management and irrigation for bulb onion (Allium cepa L.) growth and development in the Papua New Guinea Highlands

“…Overwatering can contribute to diseases such as root rot (Piccinni et al, 2009;Tripathi & Lawande, 2019). Hence, it is crucial to closely monitor soil moisture content to help ensure optimal crop growth (Blanco et al, 2021;Wakchaure et al, 2021). Onion farmers must therefore be mindful of weather forecasts and adjust their irrigation methods accordingly.…”

“…To prevent evaporation and achieve optimal efficiency, irrigation is recommended during the early morning or evening hours (Terán-Chaves et al, 2023). The irrigation schedule should also be adapted to match crop growth stage, to avoid contributing to pests and disease incidence, and to minimise water wastage (Blanco et al, 2021;Geries et al, 2021;Belo, 2022).…”

“…Therefore, irrigation needs to be reduced gradually. Watering at the right time and in the right amount is essential for the successful growth of onions (Blanco et al, 2021;Geries et al, 2021;Terán-Chaves et al, 2023).…”

Gestión del Laboratorio Bioambiental de la Universidad Nacional Experimental del Táchira (UNET) como referente de datos físico- químicos de los suelos del estado Táchira-Venezuela

“…El análisis de suelos es una herramienta que reúne una serie de variables analizadas de forma integral por un Ingeniero agrónomo o un asistente técnico experto, el cual permite dar una interpretación para un plan de fertilización de un determinado cultivo; y es por esta razón que es importante realizar de modo correcto el muestreo agrícola para evitar una recomendación equivocada que ocasione una baja productividad al agricultor (Lizcano et al, 2017). Además, los laboratorios de análisis de fertilidad de los suelos permiten generar mapas digitales y georreferenciados con el fin de planificar un mejor uso del suelo e incrementar el rendimiento de los cultivos (Villareal, 2018), y también sirven como soporte fundamental para el desarrollo de investigaciones relacionadas con el área agrícola gracias a la determinación de los parámetros físico-químicos que ofrecen (Blanco et al, 2021).…”