Impact of Organic Fertilization and External Potassium Silicate Application on Yield and Quality of Two Garlic Cultivars

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Soil & Water and Environment Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, El-Gama St., Giza, 12619 Egypt

2 Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, El-Gama St., Giza, 12619, Egypt

Abstract

Enhancing the performance of garlic plants is crucial to meet the growing demand in the Egyptian market. Consequently, a field trial was conducted to assess the impact of varying levels of compost (0.0,7.0,10.0 ton fed-1) and potassium silicate (0.0, 200, 300 gL-1) on two prominent garlic cultivars (Balady and Chinese) in the Egyptian market. Despite differing performances between the two cultivars, all growth parameters, such as No. of leaves plant-1, fresh and dry weights (g plant-1), as well as quantitative and qualitative yield traits including bulb diameter (cm), neck diameter (cm), No. of cloves bulb-1, bulb yield (ton ha-1), dry matter (%) vitamin C (mg 100g-1) and carbohydrates (%) significantly increased with higher compost levels. Similarly, improvements in these parameters were observed with increasing rates of potassium silicate. The most effective combined treatment involved the soil application of 10 tons of compost per feddan and spraying of potassium silicate at rate of 300 gL-1 simultaneously. Based on these findings it can be concluded that incorporating compost and potassium silicate into fertilizer management practices is beneficial to enhance soil fertility and improve garlic plant performance. The recommended application rates of 10 tons of compost per feddan and 300 gL-1 of potassium silicate can serve as a guideline for achieving optimal results. Overall, by implementing these recommendations and building upon the findings of this study, garlic producers in Egypt can improve their agricultural practices, meet the increasing market demand, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the garlic industry.

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