Onion cultivation approach by custom-made outdoor hydroponics: A very first attempt in Bangladesh

Abstract

Onion is one of the most important economic crops in the world. Since it was reported that the natural water sources of Barishal have many growth nutrients for plants, this experiment grown onions in custom-made outdoor hydroponics using ground water of Barishal (mostly from tab water) and Kirtankhola River water to check their nutrients performances for yielding purposes. Ground water demonstrated best performances and the average yields of onions in ground water were more than half of land based yields comparatively. Besides, plant growth was normal in ground water throughout the experiment. The results indicated that the water although is not sufficient enough without adding nutrients to produce onion commercially, but it could support the growth at a certain level.. Finally, the authors concluded onion production is possible hydroponically in Bangladesh and to minimize the load of commercial fertilizers the ground water of Barishal, as main water supply to the hydroponic units, is recommended.