Nutrient Management Research Database

General Information

Evaluating and Demonstrating the Effectiveness of In-Field Nitrate Testing for Drip and Sprinkler Irrigated Vegetables

Crop: Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Lettuce, Onion, Peppers

Soil Type: Variable

County, State: (San Benito, Santa Clara),

Year: 2001

Buchanan, M

In the 1990s, over half of wells in the Llagas basin had nitrate levels above 45 ppm.
Reducing rate of fertilizer application is not feasible without properly performed testing to ensure yield penalties are avoided.
This study examined the utility of in-season soil and plant tissue nitrate testing in crafting and modifying nutrient management plans.

The most important factors influencing soil nitrate levels and distribution in the soil were irrigation type, irrigation and fertilization scheduling, soil texture, crop growth stage, and crop conditions.
Soil nitrate ‘quick testing,’ performed on-farm by growers is an effective tool to measure residual soil N, and useful to tweak nutrient management plans mid-season.
The results of this study suggest that growers have an opportunity to reduce N fertilization without yield penalties, though specific rates depend on the conditions mentioned above.

Iceberg Lettuce Production in California (Contra Costa, Fresno, Imperial, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Ventura)

Leaf Lettuce Production in California (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz)

Efficient Phosphorus Management in Coastal Vegetable Production (Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz)

Vegetable Production Best Management Practices to Minimize Nutrient Loss (Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz)

Drip irrigation management affects celery yield and quality (San Benito, Santa Barbara, Ventura)