NUTRIENTS USE AND DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY UNDER FERTIGATION SYSTEM

Abstract

Two main experiments were conducted throughout 1996 under greenhouse conditions and in 1998 under open field conditions. Pot experiments were carried out during the summer season of 1996 with the following objectives 1) to evaluate the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and oitrogen distribution efficiency (NDE) under nitrogen treatments and; 2) to evaluate the most suitable nitrogen method, and frequency of application that could be practiced in the open field. (cv. Spunta) was used as a plant indicator. Two methods of fertilization were used; a fertigation system and top-dressing practice. Four-nitrogen application rates control, 20, 40 and 60 kg N/fed were used. The control refers to the treatment where no nitrogen fertilizer was applied. The fertigation system included seven different treatments for nitrogen application frequency. For top dressingpractice the expe11iment included three nitrogen treatments for nitrogen application frequency The results of these experiments Gan be summarized as follows: 1)Effect of different nitrogen application rats and frequencies on some of the parameters of a potato crop. a) Plant height development Increasing nitrogen application rates under the fertigation system and top dressing practice increased the potato plant height. The frequency of nitrogen application rates was also highly significant on potato plant height. b) Leaves area development Increasing the nitrogen applicatioa rates increased potato leaf area.