Deficit Irrigation Boosts Onion Yields, Enhancing Food Security in Arid Regions
A study in Ethiopia looked at how watering onions with different amounts of water affects their growth and yields. They tested three irrigation methods: alternate furrow, fixed furrow, and conventional furrow, each with different levels of water. Results show that onions watered normally (100%ETc) with alternate furrow irrigation yielded the most. Watering less (70%ETc) and using fixed furrow irrigation gave the lowest onion yields. The data also revealed that bulb diameter, unmarketable bulb yield, and total bulb yield of the onions varied significantly based on the irrigation method and water levels. Overall, the study found that getting the right amount of water to the onions is crucial for their growth and yield.