Onion farming unlike other crops, success depends mostly on knowing how, when and the amount of water and fertilizer needed. Wrong application of both translates to poor quality onion or even death of the whole crop. That is how sensitive the onion is. In this article, we have outlined in detail the guideline on how to irrigate, unearth and also apply your fertilizer,
In case you missed it, these are the features of the best onion varieties.
How to irrigate your onions
Always avoid excessive moisture at the growing stage. At the bulbing stage, it needs some substantial amount of water and is later reduced or discontinued towards bulb maturity.
Lighter soils need more frequent water applications, but less water applied per application.
Increase the water application as plants and roots increase in size.
Proper moisture management is important in
- Alleviating “Pink Root” problems
- General root health
- Vigorous bulb growth
Drought stress will cause splitting or formation of double/ multiple bulbs.
Read: How to manage your onion seedlings
How to apply your fertilizers
Top-dressing
Soil analysis results should be used to know the nutrient requirements of the soil before planting
Top-dressing can be done in 2 splits;
- 1st Top-dressing: 30 days after transplanting at 40 kg/acre of CAN
- 2nd Top-dressing: 45 days after transplanting at 80 kg/acre of CAN
The strip/banding method is preferred over broadcasting as it is more effective.
It is good to note that too much nitrogen results in thick necks
Top-dressing should always be completed before initiation of bulbing
Read Also: How to farm your cabbage successfully
Why do you have to unearth your onions?
Unearthing is the removal of excess soil around the bulb with the aim of;
- Loosening the soil to allow the bulb to expand or develop well
- Facilitate the colouring and curing
If the soil is hard during bulb formation, loosen the soil to allow bulbs to develop well.
Unearthing is carried out during the 2nd and subsequent weeding and is done by removing the soil from the bulbs by hand while watching out not to damage or expose the roots.
Reference: SHEP PLUS
