Influence of different grades and rates of organic fertilizer on the growth, yield and quality of onion [Allium cepa]

Abstract

 Pot experiment was conducted to assess the influence of fertilizer types and rates on the growth, yield and nutritional quality of onion. The treatments were 0, 30, 60, 90, 120kg ha^-1 of two fertilizer grades [fortified and unfortified sunshine organic fertilizers]. The 5 x 2 factorial experiment in a randomize complete block were laid out in randomizes complete design replicated three times. Data were collected on growth parameters, yield attributes, nutritional content and proximate analysis of onion. The growth parameters [plant height and number of leaves] and yirld [bulb diameter, leaves and bulb weight]. The nutritional quality of onion was significantly influenced [p< 0.05] by the rate and fertilizer type. The highest plant height and number of leaves were obtained from onion plant treated with fortified organic fertilizer, irrespective of the rates , irrespective of fertilizer types. The yield parameters and nutritional values of onion  increased from 0 up till 90kg /ha, then declined thereafter at higher fertilizers rate. The optimum yield with nutritional quality was obtained from onion treated with unfortified organic fertilizer at the rate of 90kg  ha^-1. In conclusion, the best fertilizer type and rate under this investigation for maximum yield and nutritional value of onion are unfortified sunshine organic fertilizer applied at 90kg /ha.