Nitrogen uptake dynamics, yield and quality as influenced by nitrogen fertilization in ‘Piel de sapo’ melon

Abstract

The need to reduce nitrogen (N) fertilizer pollution strengthens the importance of improving the utilization efficiency of applied N to crops. This requires knowledge of crop N uptake characteristics and how fertilization management affects it. A three-year field experiment was conducted from May to September in central Spain to investigate the influence of different N rates, which ranged from 11 to 393 kg ha -1 , applied through drip irrigation, on the dynamics of N uptake, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), fruit yield and quality of a 'Piel de sapo' melon crop (Cucumis melo L. cv. Sancho). Both N concentration and N content increased in different plant parts with the N rate. Leaves had the highest N concentration, which declined by 40-50% from 34-41 days after transplanting (DAT), while the highest N uptake rate was observed from 30-35 to 70-80 DAT, coinciding with fruit development. In each year, NUE declined with increasing N rate. With N fertilizer applications close to the optimum N rate of 90-100 kg ha -1 , the fruits removed approximately 60 kg N ha -1 , and the amount of N in the crop residue was about 80 kg N ha -1 ; this serves to replenish the organic nutrient pool in the soil and may be used by subsequent crops following mineralization.Additional key words: Cucumis melo; fertilization; N distribution; N use efficiency; N removal; N in crop residues. ResumenInfluencia de la fertilización nitrogenada en la dinámica de absorción de nitrógeno, producción y calidad del melón 'Piel de sapo'La necesidad de reducir la contaminación procedente de la aplicación de fertilizantes nitrogenados refuerza la importancia de mejorar la eficiencia de utilización del nitrógeno aplicado a los cultivos. Durante tres años se realizaron ensayos de campo al aire libre en los meses de mayo a septiembre en la zona centro de España para investigar la influencia de distintas dosis de N, en la dinámica de absorción de N, eficiencia del uso del N (NUE), producción y calidad de un cultivo de melón (Cucumis melo L. cv. Sancho) 'Piel de sapo'. Las dosis de N variaron desde 11 a 393 kg ha -1 y se aplicaron a través del riego por goteo. Tanto la concentración como el contenido de N aumentaron en las distintas partes de la planta a medida que la dosis de N aumentó. La hoja fue el órgano con la mayor concentración de N, decreciendo un 40-50% a partir de los 34-41 días después del transplante (DAT). La tasa de absorción de N más alta se observó desde los 30-35 hasta los 70-80 DAT, coincidiendo con el desarrollo del fruto. En cada año, el NUE descendió con el incremento de la dosis de N. Con aplicaciones de N cercanas a la dosis óptima de 90-100 kg ha -1 , los frutos extrajeron aproximadamente 60 kg N ha -1 , y la cantidad de N en el residuo del cultivo estuvo alrededor de 80 kg N ha -1 . Este residuo sirve para rellenar la reserva de nutrientes orgánicos del suelo y puede ser usado por los cultivos posteriores después de su mineralización.Palabras clave adicionales: Cucumis

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