ISHS Acta Horticulturae 462: I Balkan Symposium On Vegetables and Potatoes
THE INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN QUANTITIES ON CAULIFLOWER DEVELOPMENT AND YIELDS |
| Author: | V.&s.;i. Bjelic |
| Keywords: | field trial, pseudogley, curd, decade, diameter |
| Abstract:
The aim of the present study is to assess the influence of various nitrogen quantities (80 – 200 kg/ha) on cauliflower development and yields. The Dutch variety Lawyna was used for this purpose. Cauliflower growth characteristics were established by systematic measurements of curds and by monitoring the changes taking place in the crop. The diameter of the curds was measured. Sampling was performed every 10 days. Curd initiation took place when the cauliflower plants had approximately 12 leaves. At that time the curd diameter on average amounted to 0.047 cm. During a comparatively long period of time the curds featured a very small diameter. Thus, by the end of the third decade the diameter was only 2.01 cm. In the fourth decade the diameter amounted to 3.93 cm, signifying a 1.92 cm increased as compared with the third decade. By the end of the growing period the diameter increased from 3.12 cm (the V decade) to 5.74 cm (the VII decade). The application of nitrogen fertilizer in quantities of 160 and 200 kg/ha displayed the greatest influence on curd formation when curd diameter also reached the highest values (19.81 and 19.86 cm). Average culiflower yields amounted to 20.85 t/ha. Nitrogen fertilizer applications resulted in significant yield increases, on average amounting to 10.68 t/ha, i.e. 86,7%. Nitrogen fertilizer quantities greater than 160 kg/ha had no significant influence on crop yields. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
