Response of onion (Allium cepa) to potassium application

A field experiment was conducted during 1992–94 to study the response of onion (Allium cepa L.) to doses, sources and methods of potassium application. The bulb yield increased significantly up to 120 kg K₂O/ha. Sulphate of potash (SOP) resulted in higher bulb yield than muriate of potash (MOP). The bulb yield significantly increased with split application of K₂O, being the highest with 3 splits. Uptake of N and K increased with increasing levels of K₂O up to 120 kg/ha. Application of SOP increased the utilization of N, Ca and Mg compared with MOP. Split application of K increased the utilization of N, K, Ca and Mg compared with its basal application. Uptake of N increased up to 3 splits of K. Increasing levels of K₂O up to 120 kg/ha increased the carbohydrate content in bulb. The pungency also increased by application of K. Bulbs receiving SOP were more pungent than bulbs receiving MOP.