Determining the growth and development of Garlic (Allium Sativum) grown in the drought prone area of Vosburg, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum) belongs to the family Alliaceae, and is an important vegetable known all over the world for its medicinal properties and uses. It is known to help prevent high blood pressure, heart attack, hypertension, lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, rectal and colon cancer. The crop garlic contains high content of Sulphur combining compounds which are responsible for the unique flavour, strong odour, and pungency that is used in food. However, most garlic growing farmers have been experiencing challenges regarding the yield as they (farmers) depend heavily on a balanced use of fertilizers. Fertilizer management is the major limiting factor that accounts for lower productivity of garlic. Field experiment which lasted for 5 months was carried out on a farm in the karoo region to record the response of liquid NPK fertilizers on growth and yield parameters. A complete randomized block design layout with the aim to find out the balance dose of NPK fertilizer with a half dose (150 ml NPK), a full dose (300 ml NPK) and a control which will produce a high number of cloves per bulb, high bulb diameter etc., was conducted. It is concluded that application of NPK at a rate of 300 ml NPK mixed with 100 L of water indicated a higher yield, followed by 150 ml NPK mixed with 100 L of water. On the contrary, control had the lowest performance on growth parameters and yield measured.