Too much nitrogen softens the bulb and increases storage rot diseases. Excess N can also thicken the neck, resulting in greater disease entry. It is later applications of nitrogen that are mainly responsible for an increase in incidence of thick necks and rots in store as well as delaying maturity. Thus it is critical to get the balance and timing of nitrogen right to maximize yield, without adversely affect storage quality.
Reducing Onion Neck Thickness
An adequate dimension of the onion neck will prevent invasion of diseases. Dry onions need a period of curing or drying, in order to seal the entrance. Necks that are too thick will affect the storage quality and health of the crop. A balanced crop nutrition is essential to reduce onion neck thickness.
Crop Nutrition and Onion Neck Thickness
Crops with phosphorus and manganese deficiencies tend to have thicker necks at maturity. Later applications of nitrogen result in greater thickness as well.
Nitrogen and Onion Neck Thickness
Recommended Yara Fertilizers for Onions
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YaraMila COMPLEX
12-4.8-14.9 + 8% S - Prilled NPK fertilizer which also contains magnesium and sulphur as well as micronutrients ideal for use on a wide range of arable and horticultural crops.
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YaraLiva TROPICOTE
15.5% N + 19% Ca - Granular calcium nitrate fertilizer for field application to a wide range of crops.
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MAINCROP S
14-5.7-17.4 + 2.2% S - A quality size matched NPK plus S size matched blended fertilizer, ideal for use for potato production due to the ratio in the of N P and K whilst including a useful amount of sulphur.
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STARTER SOLUTION PLUS
A liquid fertilizer for placement which aids rapid crop establishment, promotes efficient utilization of phosphate and improves phosphate availability.
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YaraVita BORTRAC 150
A liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing 150 g/l boron for foliar application to provide additional boron or to treat boron deficiencies in a wide range of crops.
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YaraVita BRASSITREL PRO
A flowable liquid suspension fertilizer with a combination of micronutrients including manganese, magnesium, boron and molybdenum for foliar application to oilseed rape, brassicas and legumes.