Sidedress N Application Methods for Broccoli Production

Abstract

Field studies were conducted during the fall of 1991 and 1992 to determine effects of sidedress fertilizer placement at various N and preplant fertilizer rates on yield and head weight of direct-seeded broccoli, Brassica oleracea L. (Italica Group). Marketable yield, early yield, head weight, and rate of crop maturity were not affected by rate of preplant fertilizer or N sidedress. Broccoli responded similarly at sidedressed N rates from 134 lo 258 kg.ha-I and total N rates from 179 to 348 kg-ha-'. Method of applying sidedress fertilizer (Wing into or dropping onto the bed) did not affect marketable yield or head size