Onion Nutrition
Applying fertiliser that provide balance nutrition is necessary for achieving High yields and quality onions. It is important not to over-apply nitrogen, particularly in bulb onions, as this can delay maturity, soften bulbs and lead to storage rots.
"Hallo, I grow onions in Isinya, but production has been very low. Please advise on how to increase my yield."
Sanaipei.
It is important to know your market to best know how to grow your onions.
Some of the factors you need to consider include variety and quality; size, shape, color, flavor, sweetness, skin finish, storage ability.
Onions have a relatively low nutrient uptake efficiency due to their shallow root system, characterized by thick roots with very few and short hairs. It is therefore important to implement a fertilizer program adapted to those conditions in order to help achieve optimum yields. It is essential to time the applications of nutrients as close as possible to the rooting zone in frequency and readily available forms.
Onion Nutrient requirement
Applying fertiliser that provide balance nutrition is necessary for achieving High yields and quality onions.
it is important not to over-apply nitrogen, particularly in bulb onions, as this can delay maturity, soften bulbs and lead to storage rots. In similar fashion to Nitrogen, most Phosphorus is required early on in the plant’s development to ensure good root growth and to boost establishment.
Potassium is particularly important where high N rates have been applied, to help maintain yield by increasing dry matter and sugar accumulation in the bulb ( Better Bulb size and Weight )
Fertilizer regime: Fertilizer application for Onion should therefore start by first week after transplanting, with an NPK regime for establishment of the crop. 40% of the N, and K as well as Calcium requirements should then be applied by the 3rd-4th week during the first Top- dress. The second Top-dressing should then be done at the bulbing stage, supplying the rest of the Nutrient needs.
Calcium and Boron are critical in ensuring a longer shelf life and preventing rots in the Bulbs. Onions prefer a Nitrate form of Nitrogen as opposed to Ammonium forms , and therefore more of Nitrate N source fertilizers such as in YaraMila Winner and YaraLiva Nitrabor will give better results – better bulb size and weight.
YaraMila Winner
YaraLiva Nitrabor
Please note that with this correct fertilizer application, it is important to adhere to all other good agricultural practices (weed management, crop protection etc.), for best results.
