Using Nutrient Uptake Patterns to Develop Efficient Nitrogen Management Strategies for Vegetables

Nitrogen (N) in a soil that is not immediately taken up by a crop is subject to leaching, denitrification and other mechanisms of loss. Nitrogen uptake studies identify the total amount of N accumulated by the crop and the period of peak demand. This information can be used to devise management strategies aimed at supplying N preceding anticipated uptake. Split sidedress application, fertigation, and use of controlled release fertilizers (CRN) are all viable options for N management, depending on the crop production scenario and available infrastructure. Soil and plant tissue testing can be useful feedback tools for adjusting N applications for soil contributions of N and unexpected N losses. Efficient irrigation is of paramount importance in achieving efficient N fertilization regardless of management practice.