kenthefarmer
Lister
One day after transplanting ,this is how our seedlings were looking.
We gave them sufficient water because,
1. Root Establishment: Water helps the seedlings' roots settle into the soil by minimizing air gaps around them. This ensures better contact between the roots and the soil, which is essential for nutrient uptake.
2. Stress Reduction: Transplanting causes stress to the seedlings. Adequate water helps them recover quickly and reduces the risk of transplant shock, which can stunt growth or even kill the seedlings.
3. Moisture Balance: Water ensures the soil remains moist, preventing the seedlings from wilting due to dehydration, especially under hot or windy conditions.
One week after transplanting ,You may see some brown tips after transplant, nothing to worry about they are healing from the late trimming done. Make sure you are able to different Downey mildew and this healing process.
We sprayed phosphorus foliars and and fungicides. Why?
1. Fungicides
Disease Prevention: Transplanting exposes seedlings to stress, making them vulnerable to fungal infections like damping-off, root rot, or downy mildew. Applying fungicides protects them from these diseases.
Healing Wounds: During transplanting, small injuries to the roots or stems can occur. Fungicides prevent these wounds from becoming entry points for pathogens.
2. High-Phosphorus Fertilizers
Root Development: Phosphorus is vital for root growth. After transplanting, the seedlings need to establish a strong root system to absorb nutrients and water efficiently.
I always do first fertilizer two weeks after transplanting, by two weeks the roots have formed and are ready to feed the fertilizer. This was DAP fertilizer.
Since DAP is acidic I always substitute with humid acid in form of powder.
Humidity acid has very many benefits to the soil and plant.
1. Improved Nutrient Absorption
Humic acid enhances the availability and uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen from DAP, ensuring the onions receive maximum nutrients for growth.
2. Enhanced Soil Structure
It improves soil texture, aeration, and water-holding capacity, creating a better environment for onion root development.
3. Boosts Microbial Activity
Humic acid stimulates beneficial soil microorganisms, which help break down nutrients in the soil, making them more accessible to onions.
4. Reduced Fertilizer Loss
It minimizes nutrient leaching by binding to the soil, ensuring that the applied DAP remains in the root zone longer.
5. Improved Root Development
The combination of humic acid and phosphorus promotes robust and deeper root growth, which is critical for onion plants to absorb water and nutrients effectively.
Each kilo of humic acid is mixed with 50 kgs of fertilizer. Ranging from 550ksh to 650ksh.