Nitrogen uptake and utilisation by bell pepper in subtropical australia1∗

Abstract

Abstract Concern over the pollution potential of nitrogen (N) fertilisers has prompted studies of the utilisation efficiency of applied N by crops. This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of N usage by bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) grown with plastic mulch and trickle irrigation, and to define a rate of applied N which is equal to uptake by the crop. The relationships between applied N (0, 70, 140, 210, and 280 kg/ha), nutrient uptake, and yield for spring and autumn bell pepper crops grown on a major soil type (Tropeptic Eutrustox) in the Bundaberg region of subtropical Australia were investigated. Maximum dry weight yield of fruit, leaves, roots, and stems corresponded with N210 to N280 for both spring and autumn crops. In addition, maximum fresh weight of marketable fruit corresponded with N210 to N280 for both seasons. Nitrogen uptake was equal to the applied rate at N140. Plant uptake of elements increased with applied N and, at N280, were ranked as follows: K> N> Ca> Mg > S > P. Fruit accumulated the greatest proportion of K, N, and P (40 to 64%, 40 to 64%, 49 to 76%, respectively), and only a comparatively small amount of Ca (6 to 7%). The efficiency of fruit production from absorbed applied N declined with increasing N rate. District standard rates of P, N, K, and S application exceeded uptake by plants grown at an equivalent N rate (differences of 68 and 65 kg P, 57 and 52 kg N, 32 and 24 kg K, and 19 and 24 kg S for spring and autumn, respectively). Because of the importance of pepper yield as a determinant in economic outcome and the relatively low cost of fertiliser N, application rates in excess of N140 are likely to continue by district growers in an attempt to maximise yield.