Integrated nutrient management for sustainable onion production

Abstract

Present investigation was carried out to standardize integrated nutrient management for onion production. Results showed that integrated use of 75% recommended fertilizers along with organic manures and biofertilizers produced bulb yield at par with the previous recommendation (150:50:80:50 kg NPKS + 20 t FYM/ha) and improved soil organic carbon. Besides yield, integrated use of fertilizer, manures and biofertilizers increased TSS and total phenols content and decreased pyruvic acid as compared to inorganic fertilizer application alone. Combined application of fertilizers, organic manures and bio-fertilizers maintained initial soil available NPKS status. We conclude that the combined application of inorganic fertilizer (110:40:60:40 kg NPKS/ha) along with organic manures and biofertilizers produced yield at par with previous recommendation, improved bulb quality and maintained soil fertility. Adoption of this practice saved 25% inorganic fertilizers and protect environment from pollution.