Effetti della concimazione sulla qualità dell'aglio coltivato in Sicilia. Effects of fertilization on the quality of garlic grown in Sicily.

In order to expand this crop and to improve bulbs quality a study was carried out to evaluate different fertilization techniques. Four fertilization formulas were evaluated: 1) mineral fertilization commonly used by Paceco producers - pre-planting with 55, 110 and 80 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O - post planting with 47 and 46 kg ha-1 of N and K2O; 2) organic fertilization with an organic mix - pre-planting with 320 and 240 kg ha-1 of N and P2O5; 3) mineral fertilization - pre-planting with 40, 70 and 100 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O - post-planting with 80 kg ha-1 of N half at 3-4 leaves and half at bulbs formation; 4) only post-planting fertilization with 52 and 184 kg ha-1 of N and K2O, half at 3-4 leaves and half at bulbs formation. Post-planting fertilization results in a yield reduction and a lower quality. The organic and mineral fertilization gave no differences in production and quality of bulbs.