Yield and storability of Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in the Sudan Savanna region of Nigeria

Abstract

Two field trials were conducted at Kadawa irrigation out-station in the Sudan Savanna region of Nigeria (11o39' N; 08 o02'E) to determine the yield and storability of onion as influenced by three N.P.K. levels (0, 60 and 120 kg/ha), three poultry manure levels (0, 5 and 10 t/ha) and three farmyard manure levels (0, 10 and 20 t/ha). Both trials were carried out during the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 dry seasons. N.P.K. application at 60 kg/ha resulted in a significantly higher yield while a significant reduction in the number of bolters was observed at 120 kg/ha NPK. The effect of NPK on storability of onion was not significant. Poultry manure at 5 or 10 t/ha significantly increased both marketable number and yield of onion. The higher dose of 10 t/ha significantly reduced loss after 5 months of storage by 19.96 % in 2002 and 37.12 % during 2003. A significant response with increasing farmyard manure levels was recorded for onion yield and storage quality.



Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 10 2005: pp. 82-86