Effect of Slurry Composting Bio-filtration (SCB) by Subsurface Drip Fertigation on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Yield and Soil Nitrogen Distribution in Greenhouse

Abstract

The use of subsurface drip fertigation using slurry composting bio-filtration (SCB) as nitrogen (N) fertilizer source can be beneficial to improve fertilizer management decision. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of SCB liquid fertilizer by subsurface drip fertigation on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) yield and soil nitrogen (N) distribution under greenhouse condition. Cucumber in greenhouse was transplanted on April and Aug in 2012. N sources were SCB and urea. Four N treatments with 3 replications consisted of control (No N fertilizer), SCB 0.5N + Urea 0.5N (50:50 split application), SCB 1.0N, Urea 1.0N. 100% of N recommendation rate from soil testing was denoted as 1.0N. The subsurface drip line and a tensiometer were installed at 30 cm soil depth. An irrigation was automatically started when the tensiometer reading was -15 kPa. The growth of cucumber at 85 days after transplanting was 5% higher in all N treatment than control. Semi-forcing culture produced more fruit yield than retarding culture. Fruit yields were 62.2, 76.3, 76.4, and 75.1 Mg for control, SCB 1.0N, Urea 1.0N, and SCB 0.5N + Urea 0.5N, respectively. Although fruit yields were similar under SCB 1.0N, Urea 1.0N, and SCB 0.5N + Urea 0.5N, 176 kg K can be over applied if cucumber is grown twice a year under SCB 1.0N that may result in K accumulation in soil. N uptake was 172, 209, 213, 207 kg for control, SCB 1.0N, Urea 1.0N, and SCB 0.5N + Urea 0.5N, respectively. N use efficiency was the highest (37%) at SCB 0.5N + Urea 0.5N under semi-forcing culture. Nitrate-N concentration in soil for all N treatments except control in semi-forcing culture was the highest between 15 and 30 cm soil depth at the 85 days after transplanting and between 0 and 15 cm soil depth after cucumber harvest. These results suggested that SCB 0.5N + Urea 0.5N can be used as an alternative N management for cucumber production in greenhouse if K accumulation is concerned.