ISHS Acta Horticulturae 700: International Symposium Towards Ecologically Sound Fertilisation Strategies for Field Vegetable Production
EVALUATION OF RAPID METHODS FOR NITRATE SAP ANALYSIS IN ARTICHOKE |
| Authors: | M.C. Rodrigo, J. Ginestar, C. Ramos |
| Keywords: | Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, petiole sap, plant nutrition, nitrogen, tissue analysis |
| Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of two rapid methods, a hand-held reflectometer and a portable selective ion meter, to assess the nitrogen status of petiole sap in commercial artichoke fields. Experiments were conducted at three locations, in L’Horta de Valencia, with factorial combinations of three nitrogen rates. Nitrate concentration of petiole sap as measured with quick methods was highly correlated with the laboratory method (r2=0.66 for the selective ion meter and r2=0.92 for the reflectometer). Measurements obtained with the selective ion meter were higher compared with the other two methods. A decrease of nitrate content during the growing period was observed with the three methods. In addition, there was a relationship between the soil nitrate levels and the sap nitrate concentration. Petiole sap nitrate determined by both rapid methods can be a quick and useful tool to assess artichoke nitrogen status. | |
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