Being a crop of value, onion growing has been affected by poor agronomic practices which has led to reduced production for the markets.
Site selection, onions require soils with well decomposed organic matter and located near a water source for irrigation. Land preparation: This must be 1.2 m*10*0.3 m high containing well decomposed organic matter. Plant onions in well moist soils in cool temperatures depending on the variety. The total seed rate is 5 – 8 kg/ ha when planted directly into main garden and 3-5 kg/ ha when transplanted.
Sawing & planting
Saw seeds in well well shaded nursery and expose them to sun shine after germination in 10 days before transplanting. Planting: Transplant when onions are 10-15 cm high at 25*8 cm spacing and at 3 cm depth and water regularly. Directly plant seeds at spacing of 25*8 cm.
Fertilizer application. Apply 25-30 t/ ha of organic matter, plough in 300kg ammonium sulphate, 400kg of potassium sulphate and 400kg of single super phosphate or 250 – 300kg NPK at ratio of 15:15:15 / ha.
Sodium boosts foliar growth, phosphorus for root development and potassium for disease resistance
Onion pests and diseases
These include onion thrips, beet army worm, onion fly, stem and bulb bulb nematodes.
Diseases Onion smug, down mildew, onion yellow dwarf virus, purple blotch, white rot or bulb rot.
Use certified seeds, avoid water logging, regular field inspection, crop rotation apply chemicals, dry crops early and harvest in 140 days when leaves are completely dried up.
