Effects of Irrigation, Nitrogen Fertilization and Soil Type on Yield and Quality of Cauliflower

Abstract

ABSTRACT The influence of irrigation, nitrogen rate and source, and soil type on yield, quality and nitrate nitrogen content of cauliflower was studied in field experiments. Irrigation provided at soil moisture potentials of -20 and -40 kPa secured a higher yield than that of -60 kPa. Yield of cauliflower curds increased with nitrogen rates up to 600 kg N/ha. Among the tested nitrogen fertilizers, calcium nitrate produced the highest yield of cauliflower curds. Out of five tested soil types, highest cauliflower yield was obtained on a low moor peat and on silty clay loam. Nitrogen fertilization resulted in a linear increase of nitrate nitrogen in cauliflower leaves and curds. Nitrate nitrogen content of leaves and curds was influenced by cultivar, soil type, and rate and form of nitrogen.