Spring Onion Crops at Risk: Why Fresh Manure Should Never Be Used as Fertilizer.

Feeding Onions in the Spring

According to TSN.ua: During spring, onions focus on developing their root systems and green foliage—both essential for healthy growth. However, choosing the wrong fertilizer can do more harm than good. Fresh manure, in particular, poses a serious threat. It contains high levels of ammonia and active organic compounds that can disrupt onion development and damage the plants.

Applying fresh manure may lead to:

• yellowing and drying of leaves,
• stunted growth,
• poor bulb formation,
• increased risk of fungal diseases.

For these reasons, experts recommend applying organic fertilizers in the fall to avoid negative effects during the growing season.

Safe Fertilizer Choices for Onions

So what should you use instead in the spring? Safe options include ammonium nitrate, small amounts of carbamide (urea), and balanced fertilizers that provide nitrogen and potassium. The recommended application rate is 10–15 grams of nitrogen fertilizer per square meter. Following these guidelines allows gardeners to support healthy onion development while avoiding the risks associated with fresh manure.

This advice is crucial for anyone aiming to maximize their onion yield. Proper and timely fertilization not only promotes strong growth but also helps prevent financial losses caused by poor growing conditions. By keeping these recommendations in mind, gardeners can plan ahead and create the best possible environment for their onion crops.