SOIL N_MIN CONTENT AND P2O5 EXPORT FROM VEGETABLE CROPS IN QUEBEC (CANADA)

A survey was conducted over 3 years among commercial vegetable fields in Quebec.
Soil samples prior to crop establishment and after harvest were collected to measure NO₃–N levels in the 0-0.3 m layer.
Samples of harvested plant parts were analyzed for estimating P₂O₅ exportations.
Crop management information was collected as to allow for the comparison of grower’s fertilization practices and current recommendations in the Province of Quebec.
NO₃–N levels found prior and after the season were highly variable but on average low.
P₂O₅ export was very low when viewed in relation to current P recommendation levels.
It is suggested that N fertilization recommendations be revisited in priority for carrot, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet corn and sweet pepper.
P fertilization practices should be adjusted downwards with the following crop order: crucifers (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage), tomato, pumpkin, sweet pepper, pickles, sweet corn and carrots.

International Symposium Towards Ecologically Sound Fertilisation Strategies for Field Vegetable Production

N. Tremblay, P. Beaudet

broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, pickles, pumpkin, sweet corn, sweet pepper, tomato, Merckoquant test strip, nitrate, residuals

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.700.30