Effect of organic matter and vermiculite on garlic yields

The possible effects of vermiculite and different sources of organic matter on garlic (Allium sativum L.) yield and shell life were studied. GarIic cultivar Amarante was grown in 1980 and 1981 on a Dark-Red Latosol under Cerrado vegetation. Five treatments were utilized: check (no vermiculite and no organic matter), green manure with plowing-under of Crotalaria spectabilis, vermiculite, cattle manure and processed garbage. Shelf life during storage was evaluate by periodic weighing. In the first year weighing was done 60 days after harvest only, whereas in the second year weighing was performed 30, 60, 120 and 150 days after harvest. The profitability estimation used was the average return rate to capital employed in the treatment. As far as bulb yields and profitability were concerned, the best treatments on a two-year basis were processed garbage and cattle manure. The best period for garlic sales were the months of January and February (3rd and 4th weighings).