Use of biogas plant effluent and efficient microorganisms as biofertilizers in onion plants (Allium cepa L, cv. ‘Caribe-71’)

Abstract

This work evaluated the effect of the application of biogas plant effluent and efficient microorganisms (ME), as biofertilizers in onion culture (Allium cepa L, cv. ‘Caribe-71’). The experiment was carried out at a field scale (in plots of 1,5 x 8,0 m) under a Latin Square design, where four treatments were applied: I. mixture of effluent and ME 5 % (v/v); II. mixture of effluent and ME 10 % (v/v); III. mixture of effluent and ME 15 % (v/v); and IV. Control treatment: with chemical fertilizer (NPK complete formula). A total of 12 foliar applications of the biofertilizers were carried out (two before sowing and then every seven days). The indicators were determined: height of the main leaf, number of bulbs, diameter of pseudostem, diameter of bulb, number of bulbs and fresh mass of plants. The results showed that the foliar application of the biogas plant effluent and the efficient microorganisms in the form of a mixture had a positive effect on the onion culture compared to the chemical fertilization of this one, due to the contribution of nutrients and beneficial microbiota that improves soil conditions and stimulates the growth and development of the plant. This work demonstrates the possibility of incorporating organic fertilization during onion cultivation, in accordance with the principles of agroecology in the context of the necessary sustainable agricultural development