Effect of chemical fertilizers and bio fertilizers on growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) production

Abstract

The experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture (Vegetable and Floriculture), Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour to study the role of bio fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on onion production. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design, replicated thrice with onion variety Agrifound Light Red. The experiment was framed with bio fertilizers viz., M0- 0, M1- Azotobacter, M2- Azospirillum, M3- PSB, M4- VAM and four levels of chemical fertilizers, (F1-N80 P40 K60, F2-N100P60K80, F3-N120P80K100, F4-N140P100K120 having 20 treatment combinations. The results of the experiment showed that the fertility level F3-N120P80K100 with inoculation of M2- Azospirillum i.e., F3M2 the maximum average bulb weight (77.53 g), diameter of bulb (6.17 cm), bulb length (5.97 cm), bulb yield (438.56 q/ha) was recorded F3M2 treatment combination, and treatment combination F1MO shows lowest value. However, inoculation of Azospirillum with soil application at the fertility level of F3-N120P80K100 was the most effective combination for higher net return and B: C ratio (4.70).