Major differences in onion growth visible between years

On many plots in the Netherlands, the onions are looking neat at the beginning of June. Development will continue well in 2025, despite the changing weather. There are large differences in precipitation between the regions and with the warm weather approaching, drought is lurking.

Arjan Jacobs from Wezup takes a photo of his Gewastour plot every year around 1 June and has now built up a series of six years. Based on these images, he sees considerable differences between the years. This year is doing well, but the spread in development remains visible, just like in previous seasons.

May 31, 2020 June 2, 2021 June 2, 2022 June 1, 2023 June 2, 2024 June 1, 2025

On most of the Gewastour plots, rounds are done with foliar feeding and disease control. In addition, some NK fertilizer is spread locally to support growth.

Large differences in precipitation between regions
The precipitation distribution remains a point of attention this season. In some regions, sufficient rain has fallen, while other areas are still experiencing drought. The heat expected later in the week can have a quick impact, especially on lighter soils. Heavier loam soils are also starting to become tighter in some cases, which is normally not the case as quickly.

Nematode damage also on heavier soils
Damage by trichodorids and knot nematodes can be seen in several places. It is striking that this does not only occur on light plots, but also on heavier soils. Given the dry conditions of the past few days, you would expect this less, but practice shows otherwise. The picture is mixed in Friesland. Reinder Hogenhout from Kimswerd is free of nematode damage himself this year, but still sees it regularly with customers.

Preparing for the heat
For the coming warm period, extra root stimulation is being controlled on plots and the last weeds are being removed. This week, Hogenhout is applying his second application of 10 litres of Stimuter to promote root formation. He also wants to tackle the existing annual grass with Centurion. If the weather permits, he will do this with the help of an Ecorobotix robot to apply the agent in a targeted manner. He expects this to save 60% to 70% on the grass agent.

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