Nutrient demand and uptake by pickling cucumber under drip irrigation in a northern climate

Abstract

SummaryHigh yield and quality of pickling cucumber require an even supply of nutrients. Under drip irrigation, nutrient supply can be optimised according to the plant’s needs, and losses to the environment can be minimised. This research aimed to determine which nutrients are needed in fertigation, the optimal dosages of nitrogen for pre-planting fertilisation and fertigation, and the level of nutrient uptake by cucumber plants in a northern climate. A relatively low nitrogen dose (120-140 kg ha–1) was sufficient for good yield. Under warm growing conditions, a higher nitrogen dose increased yield, but only by 5%. Addition of N and K by fertigation was sufficient when other nutrients were provided by pre-planting fertilisation. Nutrient uptake per tonne of fruit was 1.2–1.4 kg N, 0.28–0.35 kg P and 2.2 kg K, which were slightly lower than reported in earlier studies. Our results indicate that high cucumber yields can be obtained by moderate fertilisation when drip irrigation and fertigation are used.