IS IT POSSIBLE TO REDUCE NITROGEN FERTILIZATION IN PROCESSING SPINACH

A two-year field experiment was carried out in a typical Mediterranean environment (Foggia, Southern Italy) to evaluate the effect of the reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilization on yield, quality, N uptake, N utilization efficiency, and on environmental impact of processing spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). In a completely randomized experimental design with four replications, 50, 75, and 100% (150, 225, and 300 kg N ha−1, respectively) of the normal rate applied by the farmers in the trial area were compared. In both years, the total amount of the urea fertilizer applied was broadcasted three times. The results obtained indicate that a lower N fertilization level ensured a satisfactory yield, increased quality and N utilization efficiency. However, crop performances and the amount of N available for leaching were dependent by the weather conditions occurred during plants growth, being significant the year × N fertilization rate interaction.