Performance Acre™ – Onion Balanced Crop Nutrition – AgriFacts

OVERVIEW

• Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), along with sulfur (S), zinc (Zn) and boron (B), are essential nutrients needed for a balanced crop nutrition program in onions.
• Ensuring K, S, and B availability through bulb development can be difficult on coarse, well-drained sandy soils.
• MicroEssentials SZ contains N, P, S, and Zn combined into one nutritionally balanced granule, providing uniform distribution, increased nutrient uptake, and season-long S availability.
• Aspire combines potash along with two forms of B (fast and slow release) in every granule for uniform distribution, season-long B availability, and a flexible application window.

TRIAL DETAILS

Crop: Onion (Allium cepa)

Years: 2019-2020

Locations: 4 trials in Idaho and Washington

Data Source: Field studies conducted by independent, third-party researchers.

Experimental Design: Small-plot RCBD with 4 replications.

Cropping Conditions: All trials conformed to local cropping practices.

TREATMENTS:

Treatment (Trmnt) / Rates / Timing:

1. N Rate: Applied according to local recommendations
2. P Rate: 100 lbs P₂O₅/ac applied as MAP or MicroEssentials SZ
3. K Rate: 120 lbs K₂O/ac applied as either MOP or Aspire
4. Application Timing: Preplant

Application Method: Broadcast Incorporated

RESULTS

SUMMARY

• Addition of MOP increased onion yield 6 cwt/ac compared to MAP only.
• MicroEssentials SZ + MOP increased yield by 62 cwt/ac over MAP only and 56 cwt/ac over MAP + MOP.
• Replacing MOP with Aspire increased yield 88 cwt/ac over MAP + MOP and 32 cwt/ac over MicroEssentials SZ + MOP.
• Higher yields achieved using MicroEssentials SZ + Aspire demonstrate the value of combining P, K, S, Zn, and B for a balanced crop nutrition program in onions.