Onion farming|This is how to Irrigate and apply fertilizers

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; 

• 1^st Top-dressing: 30 days after transplanting at  40 kg/acre of CAN 
• 2^nd 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 2^nd 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

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