Effect of Organic Applications and Bio Stimulants on Onion Growth, Productivity and Quality (Allium cepa L.)

ABASTRACTThe study investigated the impact of licorice root extract, bread yeast and humic acid on onion growth (Allium cepa L). growth, yield and nutrient content. The treatments produced major impacts on all measurable characteristics in the study. The fresh bulb weight ranged between 30.784 g. and 74.715 g. while its diameter extended between 4.230 cm and 9.027 cm, its length measured between 2.370 cm and 7.787 cm, its weight ranged between 160.973 g. and 329.810 g. The plants reached a height range between 39.983 cm and 72.050 cm, while their leaf count increased from 6.783 to 17.807 leaves. The physiological properties increased of onion the Total chlorophyll content was between 33.19-54.02, Dry matter percentage ranged between 14.00-17.01%, while the Total soluble solid increase from 14.91 % to 17.67%. The amount of nutrients in the soil increased, with nitrogen at 0.577–2.132%, phosphorus at 0.245–0.826%, potassium at 1.175–2.702%, calcium at 0.141–0.746%, and magnesium at 0.119–0.857%. When 9 ml•L⁻¹ licorice root extract was mixed with 5–9 ml•L⁻¹ bread yeast and Humic acid, the results were the best for most parameters. This showed that the effects were stronger when the factors were used together. Licorice root extract and bread yeast helped plants grow and take in nutrients better by stimulating their growth, and humic acid made nutrients more available. There were strong interactions between the three factors, which showed that using both organic and mineral treatments together worked better than using them separately. Overall, using licorice root extract, bread yeast, and humic acid together made onions grow faster, produce more, and have more nutrients. This method is a permanent alternate to traditional inorganic fertilizers in dry and semi-arid areas of Iraq and Kurdistan.