The soil was sterilised by fumigation with Vapam and, just before bulbs were
transplanted, was fertilised with 9.5 kg m 2 of an organic compound (Organagro).
Starting from the third week from transplanting, 2 g 1 ~ of Fertidro 122 (11-22-22)
was also applied in the rows every 2 weeks. Three weeks before harvest, plants received
organic fertiliser with a high N content along with humic acids. This is a common
practice to maintain leaf greenness and habit.
Whenever the matric potential of tensiometers, with the ceramic cup at -0.3 m,
reached - 0.03 MPa, plants of both treatments were irrigated by furrows.