Effect of Different Organic Fertilizers (Animal Manure, Compost, and Vermicompost) on the Yield and Quality of Red Onion in Khosrowshahr and Bonab

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Researcher, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of East Azarbaijan

2 Professor, Tarbiat Modarres University

Abstract

The data on soils from various regions of East Azarbyjan indicates  that a very low organic matter contents is the general case. On the other hand, a considerable amount of chemical fertilizers that are applied in the  onion conventional farms are normally used along with sand, which not only increases production costs but also may damage soils physical properties.. Organic fertilizers such as animal manure, municipal solid waste composts and vermicomposts are quite  rich in plant nutrients and their application for agricultural purposes leads to sustainable food production. A randomized complete block experiment was carried out with 10 treatments in three replications at two locations, namely Khosrowshahr and Bonab during two growing seasons in 2003 and 2004 in order to  evaluate the effect of various sources of organic fertilizers on the yield and quality of Azarshahr variety of red onions (Allium cepa L). Treatments were animal (domestic) manure at three levels (10,15, and 20 t/ha), municipal compost at three levels (5, 10, and 15 t/ha), vermicompost at three rates (2,4, and 6 t/ha), and a control plot in which nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were used based on soil analysis and sand as seed cover. The highest yield ( 71.1 t/ha) was obtained with application of 6 tons of vermicompost per hectare. Also, the highest yields were obtained at Khosrowshahr location in both years. The highest nitrate concentration (155mg NO3 /kg of fresh wt.) was obtained with the control treatment and the lowest (98mg NO3 /kg of fresh wt) were in vermicompost treatments. The lowest rate of onion spoilage (12%) was obtained in different rates of animal manure. Also, the highest concentration of ascorbic acid (13.5 mg/100g of fresh onion bulbs) was obtained in vermicompost treatments. The highest level of protein (1.49%) in onions was obtained with application of 6 tons vermicompost per hectare.The lowest rate of onion pungency was obtained with application of 20 tons animal manure per hectare. 

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Soil Research
Volume 21, Issue 1
May 2007
Pages 33-43

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