Improving the elements of the technology for producing onions ( Allium cepa L.) as an annual crop in the Non-Chernozem zone

Relevance. This paper presents the results of research on fertilizing bulb onions with calcium and the growth stimulant Zircon via drip irrigation. The objective of the study was to optimize the parameters and timing of technological operations for growing annual onions on alluvial meadow soils of the Non-Chernozem zone.
Materials and Methods. The Forward onion variety (VNIIO, Agrofirm "Poisk") and the F1 hybrid Resistor (Timiryazev Agricultural Academy) were used in the experiments. Laboratory seed germination was 90.0-95%. The experiments were replicated four times. The experimental plot size was 12 m². The fertilizing trials included the following treatments: Ca40; Ca40+40; and Ca40+40+40. Zircon was applied at a rate of 100 ml/ha in June and July across different treatments. Tranche Super, SC herbicides (2.5 l/ha) and a tank mix of Stomp Professional, MCS and Tranche Super, SC (2.0+1.2 l/ha) were applied the day after sowing. Post-emergence treatments with Goal 2E, EC at 0.4 and 0.6 l/ha were carried out during the 1-2 and 3-4 leaf stages of onions. Preemergence application of Stomp Professional, MCS at 3.0 l/ha combined with Goal 2E, EC at 1.0 l/ha during the 3-4 leaf stage served as a standard.
Results. During onion growth, no more than two calcium fertilizations (Ca40 + Ca40) are effective. On slightly acidic soils (pH 5.7), calcium fertilization provides growing conditions close to neutral. It was concluded that the use of the Zircon growth stimulant on bulb onions with drip irrigation at a rate of 100 ml/ha is ineffective. The preferred herbicide system is a preemergence application of Stomp Professional, MKS + Tranche Super, SK at a rate of (2.0+1.2) l/ha, followed by two sequential applications of Goal 2E, EC at rates of 0.4 and 0.6 l/ha during the 1-2 and 3-5 leaf stages of the onion. 

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