Effects of NPK fertilizer on soil properties and prema onion (Allium cepa L.) performance in a humid environment at Obio-Akpa, Akwa Ibom State
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Abstract
This study was conducted in 2022/2023 planting season at the Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Nigeria, to determine the effects of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer rates on selected soil properties, growth and bulb yields of prema onion as well as the relationships between selected soil properties and bulb yields of the onion. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Four rates of the NPK fertilizer (0, 400, 600 and 800 kgha-1) and prema onion were used for the experiment. Soil samples were collected before and after field experiment at 20 cm depth with a soil auger and processed for laboratory analysis. The NPK fertilizer increased soil pH, EC, total N, available P, exchangeable K, growth and bulb yield of the onion but reduced the SOM content as fertilizer rates increased. The highest mean plant height (66.79 cm), number of leaves (13.52), stem girth (1.30 cm), fresh bulb weight (19.25 tons/ha) and bulb circumference (22.3 cm/bulb) were recorded for 800 kgha-1, followed by 600 kgha-1 and 400 kgha-1 in that order, whereas the lowest plant height (47.94 cm), number of leaves (10.39), stem girth (0.69 cm), fresh bulb weight (10.4 tons/ha) and bulb circumference (18.1 cm) were recorded for control plots. The 400 kgha-1 NPK fertilizer rate was recommended to enhance soil fertility and prema onion production in the study area considering the economic and environmental implications of using higher rates.
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