Effects of Fertilizer Types on the Growth and yield of Onions in Agricultural EducationDemonstration Farm, University of Uyo

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to determine the effects of fertilizer types on the growth and
yield of onion in agricultural demonstration farm, University of Uyo, Uyo Local Government
Area. Two specific objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study.
The experimental design called randomized complete block design (RCBD) was adopted for
the study. The study was carried out in Agricultural Education Skills Acquisition Farm in
University of Uyo, Uyo. The population comprised of five hundred (500) hybrid onion seedlings
(Prema) from which the sample of 270 onion seedlings was selected using multi-stage sampling
techniques. Calibrated meter ruler was used to collect data on the length of shoot of onion.
Data collected were analyzed using mean to answer research questions and independent t- test
for testing the null hypotheses at 0. 05 level of significance. The rate of poultry manure in the
treatment plot was 30 t/ha of poultry manure using electronic scale for measuring the poultry
manure to enable proper decomposition and release of nutrients that serve as starter dose for
the crop, while NPK (15:15:15) applied in the treatment plot was 240 kg/ha, using ring method
of application. Finding showed that poultry and NPK 15:15:15 supports the growth of length
of shoot of Prema onion. Furthermore, poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 showed a significant
difference in both length of shoot of Prema onion when compared to those grown without
manure. It was concluded that maximum growth performance in terms of length of shoot of
bulb of Prema onion is achievable through the adequate application of poultry manure and
NPK 15:15:15 alongside maintenance of other crop management practices. It was
recommended among others that Vegetable farmers in Uyo Local Government Area who
cultivate onion for the shoot (spring onion) should utilize NPK15:15:15, where it is not readily
available and accessible, poultry manure should be used to improve the fertility of soils for
increase shoot performance of Prema onions.