The Establishment and Application of Models for Recommending Formula Fertilization for Different Maturing Genotypes of Broccoli

Abstract

According to the requirements of different fertilizers for early-maturing and late-maturing broccoli, this study aimed to establish the models of formula fertilization to apply them in the recommendation of fertilization by the aid of soil testing performed in main broccoli-producing areas. In this paper, based on the effective functions of for nitrogen- (N), phosphorous- (P), and potassium (K)-balanced fertilizers for broccoli of two different mature types, the models of formula fertilization were established. The recommend formula fertilization was accomplished in 12 different plots in the same broccoli-producing areas. The analysis of N, P, and K fertilizer contributions to broccoli yield indicated that the application rate of N, P, and K fertilizers for early-maturing variety was higher than that for late-maturing variety, when the yield contribution rate of N, P, and K fertilizers reached the extreme value. The contribution of K fertilization to the yield even had a significantly negative effect with the continuous increase of K fertilizer application for the late-maturing broccoli variety. The results showed that the different optimal combinations of applying N, P, and K fertilizers could be recommended, according to the different genotypes and soil nutrient levels.