Growth Parameters of Onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L. var. Cepa) as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Intra-row Spacing Under Irrigation in Gode, South-Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract:The productivity of onion crop is low due to poor agronomic and management practices in Gode district. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Gode Polytechnic College demonstration farm in 2013 under irrigation to assess the effect of N fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing on growth parameters of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments were consisting of six rates of N fertilizer (0, 46, 69, 92, 115, 138 kg ha -1 ) and four levels of intra-row spacing (7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 cm) and the experiment was designed in RCBD with three replications. Results of the analysis revealed that the interaction effects of N rates and intra-row spacing showed highly significant (P<0.01) effect on leaf number. Plant maturity was delayed at higher N rates and wider intra-row spacings and vice-versa. The longest plant height was obtained from 15 cm intra-row spacing and 138 kg N ha -1 where as the shortest was recorded from 7.5 cm intra-row spacing without N fertilizer application. Longest leaf length was obtained from plants spaced at 15 cm fertilized with 138 kg N ha -1 . However, the shortest was recorded for plants grown in 7.5 cm intra-row spacings without N fertilizer. The overall result analysis showed thatgood growth performance of onion was obtained from 15 cm intra-row spacing combined with 138 kg N ha -1 fertilizer applications.

Optimization of NPK combination for seed production of onion (Allium cepa) crop

“…A significant increase in seed germination, flowering scape, umbel size and seed yield with N-application at 120 kg ha -1 was reported [19]. It was also obtained good onion growth at maximum (138 kg ha -1 ) N-level [20]. Likewise, phosphorus is also vital nutrient element that stimulates the development of root, increases the strength of stem, seed production, earlier and even crop maturity, improved crop quality having more resistance to diseases [21].…”

Yield Components of Adama Red Onion (&lt;i&gt;Allium cepa&lt;/i&gt; L.) Cultivar as Affected by Intra-row Spacing Under Irrigation in Fiche Condition

“…Even though the crop has great contribution both in economic and health issues its production and productivity is not scaled to the required level. Because, the use of appropriate agronomic management practices and improved technology inputs are not still highly used which have an undoubted contribution in increasing crop yield potential [10].…”

Response of Onion to Different Organic Amendments in Central Uganda

“…Onion is produced on 2.96 million ha with an annual production of 60 million metric tons from over 134 different countries with Uganda ranked the 47th in terms of global production accounting for 0.2% [1]. Onion has significant contribution in human diet, economic earnings as well as valued for their medicinal properties [2]. Onion is consumed primarily for unique flavor or ability to enhance flavor in food [3,4].…”

“…Low yield is attributed to factors, such as low soil fertility, pests, diseases, price fluctuation and poor storage facilities among others [5,8]. Moreover, lack of improved varieties and seed, and absence of recommended organic fertilizer rates are the pertinent problems in any given area [2]. Therefore, to improve onion production, a number of inputs are required, including adequate soil fertility management [4].…”