Soil for Onion Crop

Soil for onion should be deep friable and highly fertile. Onions can, however, be grown in all types of soils. Sandy soil needs more and frequent irrigation and favour early maturity, whereas heavy soils give rise to mis-shapen bulbs causing problem in digging of bulbs. For high yield and quality bulbs, cool soils are ideal. In general, sandy loam to clay loam soil is recommended. The optimum pH range is between 5.8 and 6.5. Highly alkaline and saline soils are not suitable for onion cultivation. Salt concentration above 4 mmhos/cm² inhibits vegetative growth of most of its cultivars. Good drainage is essential. Waterlogging can result in failure of crop. Onions are very much sensitive to the effects of high water table.