Original Research Article
Effects of selected nitrogenous and potassium fertilizers on growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Ogbomoso, South Western Nigeria
Atanda, T. T. |
Olaniyi, J. O. |
Article Number: DRJA13782971
DOI:
ISSN: 2354-4147
Vol.4 (11), pp. 314-319, November 2016
Copyright © 2016
Author(s) retain the copyright of this article
Abstract
Field experiments were conducted during the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso to determine the effects of nitrogen and potassium containing fertilizers on growth and yield of onion. The treatments were four nitrogen (N) levels (0, 45, 60 and 75 kgha-1) and five potassium (K) levels (0, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kgha-1) from urea and muriate of potash, respectively. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data were collected on growth parameters (plant height and number of leaves), and the yield attributes of onion. The growth parameters increased with increase in nitrogen rates up to 75 kg N ha-1 but there was no significant difference from the values obtained at 60 kg N ha-1 and 75 kg N ha-1 fertilizer application. The highest plant height (2.7 cm) was obtained at 75 kg N ha-1 followed by 2.6 cm with application of 60 kg N ha-1 while the control gave the least values. Application of K significantly (P <0.05) increased the growth parameters with the optimum values obtained at 120 kg K2O ha-1 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The highest mean marketable yield of 1.4 t ha-1 was obtained with application of 60 kg Nha-1. The highest marketable yields of 2.2 t ha-1 and 2.0 t ha-1 were obtained with application of 120 kg K2O ha-1 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. In conclusion, application of 60 kg N and 120 kg K2Oha-1 produced the optimum growth and marketable yields of onion in the study area.
Key words: Nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, onion growth and yield
Received: September 15, 2016 Accepted: October 29, 2016 Published: October 11, 2016