IMPACT OF COMPOST TEA FROM VARIOUS ORGANIC SOURCES ON ONION GROWTH, YIELD AND SOIL PROPERTIES

Muneeba; Muhammad Suleman Aziz

Authors

Muneeba Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38000-Pakistan
Muhammad Suleman Aziz Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan

Keywords:

Compost Tea, Organic Fertilizers, Onion Growth, Onion Yield, Soil Properties, Soil Fertility, Organic Amendments

Abstract

The use of liquid organic fertilizers especially compost tea has gained wider recognition as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers and is eco-friendly. This study examined the impact of compost tea derived from agro-waste compost (AWC), farm manure compost (FMC), vermicompost (VC), and general compost (GC) on onion (Allium cepa L.) growth, yield, and soil properties. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was implemented with four compost tea treatments. The results indicated that all compost tea applications improved soil quality by increasing organic matter content, enhancing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium availability, and lowering soil pH. Among the treatments, VC tea led to the highest plant height, leaf count, fresh and dry biomass, and bulb yield. These findings highlight the potential of compost tea, particularly VC tea, in promoting sustainable onion production.