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