PREDICTION DES BESOINS EN ENGRAIS N, P et K DES LEGUMES CULTIVES EN SOL MINERAL: LES CHOUX

Abstract

The objective of this study was to verify and improve the accuracy of fertilizer recommendations for growing cole crops on mineral soils. To achieve this end, 21 field trials were conducted on 12 soils during 1978–1981; of these trials, 13 were performed with late cabbage and Brussels sprouts and eight early cabbage and brocoli. The test crops were fertilized at four rates of N, P and K, and yield responses were related to soil test values. The Cate-Nelson iteration method was used to partition soils into three different classes according to their yield response to fertilization. Furthermore, polynomial and Mitscherlich equations were fitted to yield versus soil K and P data. These procedures suggested that fertilizer recommendations would be more precise by classifying these crops into early- and late-maturing groups. Accordingly, the recommended fertilization rates for soils containing a deficient or medium P supply were 70 and 80 kg P/ha for early and late crops, respectively. A clear yield response by early cabbage to K fertilization was indicated for soils containing a medium K supply; on these soils maximum yields would be achieved with an application of about 180 kg K/ha. On the other hand late cabbage and Brussels sprouts apparently only needed about 120 kg K/ha to achieve maximum yields on the same class of soils. While an increase in yields attributable to K fertilization is unlikely on soils containing a low and high K supply, a rate of 120 kg K/ha is nonetheless recommended to ensure maximum yield and maintain soil fertility levels. As regards N-fertilization, maximum yields early and late crop were produced with 160 and 180 kg N/ha, respectively. Key words: Fertilizer, N, P, K, vegetables, cabbages