Shallot (Allium cepa var. ascolonicum) responses to plant nutrients and soil moisture in a sub-humid tropical climate
2003
Kebede Woldetsadik (Alemaya University, Dire Dawa (Ethiopia))
Shallot requirements of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were studied under rain-fed and irrigated conditions on heavy clay soils with low to medium organic matter contents in a sub-humid tropical climate of eastern Ethiopia. Influences of varying levels of irrigation water in combination with nitrogen fertilizer were assessed. Impacts of soil moisture stresses at different growth stages of the plant were evaluated in greenhouse and under field conditions. Different types of mulching materials were evaluated for their effect on the shallot crop and some soil characteristics. Parameters of plant growth, yield and bulb quality and storability were assessed in relation to applied treatments. The results showed the significance of soil moisture for shallot production in the subtropical climate. All mulching treatments improved shallot yields during the sort season. The potential for shallot yield improvements through irrigation and nitrogen fertilization needs consideration of better storage facilities. The advantages gained would otherwise be lost within few weeks after harvest as both conditions may would otherwise be lost within few weeks after harvest as both conditions may increase storage losses and reduce bulb quality. Assessment of cultivars with better storability would also deserve further assessment.
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