Comparative assessment of different nutrient sources on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by onion (Allium cepa L.)

The present study was carried out on onion cv. Nasik Red in a randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised of nine treatments of different nutrient sources including organic manures and inorganic fertilizers. The effects of organic manures (farmyard manure, vermicompost and jeevamrut) alone and in conjugation with inorganic fertilizers on growth, nutrient uptake and yield of onion were studied. Integrated use of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure significantly influenced plant growth, yield and nutrient uptake by crop. The results showed that highest number (7.4) and length of leaves (36.6 cm), bulb size (19 cm(2)), NPK uptake (122.5, 16.7 and 67.4 kg ha(-1), respectively) and biological yield (441.9 q ha(-1)) was recorded under T-2 i.e., RDF + FYM @ 250 q ha(-1). Increment in biological yield under T-2 was 69.2% over control. Our results could provide a better understanding of the importance of inorganic fertilizers plus organic manure in maintaining soil fertility and thus enhancing nutrient uptake and crop production.