Effect of nutrient management on the growth and productivity of onion

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jajpur, OUAT, Bhubaneswer during winter 2010-2011 to study the response of organic and inorganic fertilizer in various proportion on growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Agri found light red. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) using three replications. Significant variations were observed for plant height, number of leaves, polar and equatorial bulb diameter, bulb weight and estimated yield per hectare. As far as fertilizer treatments were concerned, T4 (50% vermicompost +50% NPK) were proved to be best fertilizer treatment for most of the traits. It recorded maximum plant height, bulb polar and equatorial diameter and bulb weight. The same treatment also produced highest bulb yield (353.80 q/ha). Applications of organic inputs in combination with chemical fertilizer were found better option than application of organic manure or chemical fertilizer alone. This will not only help to improve the economic return and revenue generation of the farmers but also lower the growing onion market prices in the country.