How to improve onion quality
Balanced nutrition is needed for quality onions
Nitrogen excess can cause quality issues
Nitrogen has greatest effects on onion yield although too much nitrogen softens the bulb and increases storage rot diseases. However nitrogen can also influence quality by helping to increase skin thickness.
Phosphate has a positive effect on storage quality
Phosphorus has a positive effect on storage quality of onions and garlic, especially when high rates of nitrogen have been used.
Potassium allows higher rates of nitrogen to be applied
The use of potassium allows growers to maintain high rates of nitrogen for yield with reduced risk of storage problems such as rots or sprouting.
Calcium is important to ensure good quality onions
Calcium is particularly important for bulb density, integrity and long-term storage with minimal disease problems. Magnesium also has a role to play in improving storage quality characteristics.
Boron helps calcium uptake
Boron has been shown to improve storage quality, which could be associated with the micronutrient’s role in improving calcium accumulation in the bulb.
Recommended Yara fertilisers for onions
Related articles
How to improve onion firmness
How to manage onion taste and pungency
How to improve onion skin appearance
How to reduce onion storage rots
Onion crop nutrition programme
Onion nutrient deficiencies
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