Standardization of planting distance and nitrogen fertilization for multiplier onion (Allium cepa) in rice (Oryza sativu) onion cropping sequence

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 1996 97 and 1997 98 to standardize spacing and nitrogen levels for multiplier onion (Allium cepa L. var aggregatum) during winter season following rice (Oryza sativa L.) in rainy season and to work out the net return of rice onion cropping sequence. The maximum yield of 85.13 qlha was realized from 10 cm x 10 cm spacing. Application of 150 kg Nlha resulted in significantly higher bulb yield (79.29 qlha) than other levels. The interaction effect of 10 cm x 10 cm spacing with 150 kg Nlha registered the highest bulb yield (86.33 qlha) which was at par with that obtained with 10 cm x 10 cm spacing and 90 as well as 120 kg Nlha. The benefit : cost ratio of the sequence was the highest for 15 cm x 10 cm spacing (0.63) and application of 90, 120 and 150 kg N/ha (0.60 each). Closer spacing of 15 cm x 10 cm with 90 kg N/ha was economical and suggested for multiplier onion after rice crop.