Evaluation of Poultry Litter and Organic Fertilizer Rate and Source for Production of Organic Short-day Onions

G. E. Boyhan¹, R. J. Hicks², R. L. Torrance³, C. M. Riner³ and C. R. Hill⁴

Abstract
In a 3-year study of poultry litter applications on short-day onion (Allium cepa) production, where rates ranged from 0 to 10 tons/acre, there was an increasing linear effect on total onion yield. Jumbo (>3 inches diameter) onion yield did not differ with increasing poultry application rates, while medium (<2 and <3 inches diameter) yields decreased with increasing applications of poultry litter.

In addition, organic-compliant fertilizers, 4N–0.9P–2.5K at 150 to 250 lb/acre nitrogen (N), as well as 13N–0P–0K at 150 lb/acre N and in combination with 9N–0P–7.5K totaling 150 lb/acre N were evaluated. Comparison of these commercial organic-compliant fertilizers indicated that there were no differences in total or jumbo yields, while medium yields generally decreased with increased N fertilizer rate.


Source
HortTechnology (2010) 20: 304-307


Author Locations & Affiliations
(1) Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, 1111 Miller Plant Science Building, Athens, GA 30602
(2) Screven County Cooperative Extension Service, 321 Rocky Ford Road, Sylvania, GA 30467
(3) Tattnall County Cooperative Extension Service, P.O. Box 580, Reidsville, GA 30453
(4) Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, 8163 Highway 178, Lyons, GA 30436


Posted May 2010