The aim of the study was to observe the impact on crop development during water stress periods and on onion bulb uniformity, following the application of FLOBOND DI2010 WATER SAVER. The soil of the trial plot contained a significant amount of clay, which made it hard when dry, thereby limiting the lateral growth of onion bulbs, resulting in irregular shapes and a decrease in quantity and quality.
The trial was set up on the plot where the problems were most frequent, during the driest season. It should be noted that the treated plot already started with a disadvantage compared to the control plot.
METHODOLOGY
- 1 application every week of 6kg/ha during the last 5 weeks.
- No water reduction since its already the main limiting factor.
- Total of 5 applications until harvest: 30kg/ha.
Conclusion
The first observation was that the treated part that started with worse conditions than control (lower growth, lower plant density, more water stress symptoms etc…) looked as good as the control one after about 10 to 12 days after the first application.
It was noted a better water distribution and the soil started to look and feel softer on the sides of the furrows. At harvest, yields increased from 62 tons/ha to 68 tons/ha, the farmer noted that the onions on the treated part did not show any issues regarding quality unlike the control that had shapes issues (lateral growth was not uniform).
