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    Performance Acre™ – Onion Balanced Crop Nutrition – AgriFacts

    88 CWT/AC

    Increased yield with MicroEssentials SZ + Aspire over MAP + MOP

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    Objective

    Evaluate onion marketable yield response to MAP (11-52-0), MAP + MOP (0-0-60), MicroEssentials® SZ® (12-40-0-10S-1Zn) + MOP, and a combination of MicroEssentials SZ + Aspire® (0-0-58-0.5B).

    OVERVIEW

    • Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), along with sulfur (S), zinc (Zn) and boron (B), are essential nutrients needed for a balanced crop nutrition program in onions.
    • Ensuring K, S, and B availability through bulb development can be difficult on coarse, well-drained sandy soils.
    • MicroEssentials SZ contains N, P, S, and Zn combined into one nutritionally balanced granule, providing uniform distribution, increased nutrient uptake, and season-long S availability.
    • Aspire combines potash along with two forms of B (fast and slow release) in every granule for uniform distribution, season-long B availability, and a flexible application window.

    TRIAL DETAILS

    Crop: Onion (Allium cepa)

    Years: 2019-2020

    Locations: 4 trials in Idaho and Washington

    Data Source: Field studies conducted by independent, third-party researchers.

    Experimental Design: Small-plot RCBD with 4 replications.

    Cropping Conditions: All trials conformed to local cropping practices.

    TREATMENTS:

    Treatment (Trmnt) / Rates / Timing:

    1. N Rate: Applied according to local recommendations
    2. P Rate: 100 lbs P₂O₅/ac applied as MAP or MicroEssentials SZ
    3. K Rate: 120 lbs K₂O/ac applied as either MOP or Aspire
    4. Application Timing: Preplant

    Application Method: Broadcast Incorporated


    RESULTS


    SUMMARY

    • Addition of MOP increased onion yield 6 cwt/ac compared to MAP only.
    • MicroEssentials SZ + MOP increased yield by 62 cwt/ac over MAP only and 56 cwt/ac over MAP + MOP.
    • Replacing MOP with Aspire increased yield 88 cwt/ac over MAP + MOP and 32 cwt/ac over MicroEssentials SZ + MOP.
    • Higher yields achieved using MicroEssentials SZ + Aspire demonstrate the value of combining P, K, S, Zn, and B for a balanced crop nutrition program in onions.