Influence of Cover Crops and Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilization on Tomato and Snap Bean Production and Soil Nitrate Distribution

Abstract

ABSTRACT Commercial vegetable production depends almost solely on inorganic fertilizers. In an era of environmental sensitivity, enrichment of soils with green manures and cover crops may reduce the dependence on these fertilizers while maintaining and enhancing crop yields. The objectives of this research were to determine (1) if supplemental nitrogen (N) at 60 or 120 kg · ha−1 following winter cover crops of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) affect yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in rotation; and (2) the distribution and retention of soil nitrates in the soil profile as affected by N fertilization and cover cropping. ‘Mountain Pride’ fresh market tomato and ‘Strike’ snap bean were grown in rotation for four years. Clover and wheat cover crops increased total marketable yield of ‘Mountain Pride’ tomato in one out of four years. Total marketable tomato yield increased as fertilizer N increased to 60 kg · ha−...