Utilization of FYM and hydrogel to improve soil moisture retention, nutrient uptake and onion (Allium cepa L.) yield in semi-arid region of Punjab

Poor water holding capacity of soil, low soil organic matter, and limited fresh water supply are the major hurdles in increasing onion productivity in South-Western Punjab. Hydrogels are known to increase soil water retention, nutrient uptake and yield of crops under water stress conditions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the effect of three doses of FYM (0, 25 and 50 t ha-1) and five levels of hydrogel (0, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 kg ha-1) on the performance of rabi onion at Bathinda, Punjab. Application of FYM increased the soil moisture by 32 to 74%, whereas hydrogel enhanced it by 23 to 57%, irrespective of their doses. The maximum soil moisture was recorded with FYM @ 50 t ha-1 + hydrogel @ 15 kg ha-1. Utilization of FYM @ 50 t ha-1 in combination with hydrogel @ 10 to 15 kg ha-1 exhibited the highest plant height, leaves plant-1, P and S content in leaves, and P content in bulbs. Application of FYM @ 50 t ha-1 along with hydrogel @ 7.5 to 15 kg ha-1 manifested the maximum bulb equatorial diameter, neck thickness, bulb weight and K content in bulbs. Incorporation of FYM @50 t ha-1 in combination with hydrogel @ 5 to 15 kg ha-1 registered the maximum bulb yield, N and K content in leaves, along with N and S content in bulbs.