Nitrate, nutrient content and growth parameters of komatsuna (Brassica rapa L.) in response to manure application depending on EMN (estimated mineralizable nitrogen)

Abstract

We investigated the effects of poultry manures (PM) and cow manures (CM) using estimated mineralizable nitrogen (EMN) method on nitrate, nutrient content and growth parameters of komatsuna and compared with chemical fertilizer (CF) in an abandoned soil. We applied manures as EMN based on their total N content. The 100% of EMN by PM or CM enhanced dry matter (DM) but depressed nitrate content. The PM-Keifun (PMK) with total N (4.87%) produced greater growth parameters, DM, nutrient content and lower nitrate content but manures with total N (<2%) could not. The solo CF150 did not promote leaf number but increased nitrate and Na content. In conclusion, a higher total N (>4%) concentration of manure led to increase availability and nutrient contents, DM, and depressed nitrate content of komatsuna, comparable with solo CF in an abandoned soil.