Bewässerungs- und Entwässerungssystemtechnik

Response of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) to Soil Moisture Stress Conditions at Different Growth Stages under Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia

Abstract

Gobena Dirirsa*, Tilahun Hordofa, Ketema Tezera, Abera Tesfaye, Tatek Wendimu

Soil moisture stress condition is the most critical factor affecting crop yield and water productivity. Under changing climate and increasing human population the evaluation of effect of soil moisture stress on crop production is critical issue for the increasing water scarcity. An experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons to investigate the effect of water stress imposed at different growth stages on bulb yield and water productivity of onion (Allium cepa L.). Sixteen treatments were used depriving irrigation at different combinations of the four growth stages: at each growth stages, at two growth stages, at three growth stages, irrigated at establishment only and full irrigation (control).