Onion is an important crop for farmers around the world. It is a cash crop that requires an adequate amount of nutrients to grow and produce quality onions. Fertilizer is an essential input that helps to supplement the nutrient needs of the onion crop. In this article, we will discuss the fertilizer dosage required for growing onions.
The fertilizer requirement for onion crop varies depending on the soil fertility, onion variety, and climatic condition. Generally, onion requires nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in a ratio of 1:2:2. This means that for every part of nitrogen, you need two parts of phosphorous and two parts of potassium. The following fertilizer dosage guidelines will help you to grow healthy and high-yielding onions.
Before planting onion, it’s essential to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient requirements of the soil. This will help you to apply the appropriate amount of fertilizer. Onion requires nitrogen in the form of ammonium nitrate or urea. The application rate of nitrogen fertilizer should be 150 kg per hectare. The phosphorous fertilizer can be applied at a rate of 75 kg per hectare, while potassium fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 150 kg per hectare.
Fertilizer can be applied in two or three splits during the onion’s growth stages. The first application should be done at planting, and the subsequent application can be done at the start of bulb formation and two weeks after that. The timing of fertilizer application should be such that the nutrients are available when the onion plant needs them.
The application of fertilizer should be done along the onion rows at a distance of 10-15 cm from the base of the plant. Care should be taken not to cover the onion bulb with fertilizer, as this may cause damage to the bulb.
In conclusion, the correct fertilizer dosage is crucial for the healthy growth and development of onion crops. The appropriate amount and timing of fertilizer application can help to increase the yield and quality of onions. It is recommended to carry out a soil test before planting onions and to follow the fertilizer application guidelines to ensure maximum yield.