Evaluation of different nitrogen use efficiency indices using field-grown green bell peppers (Capsicum annum L.)

Date

2007

Authors

Van Eerd, L.L.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Canadian Journal of Plant Science

Abstract

The effects of increasing nitrogen (N) fertilization on N use efficiency (NUE) and yield of green bell pepper were assessed in five field experiments over 2004 and 2005. These data were used to evaluate and contrast conclusions drawn from among 12 different NUE indices. In two different years (i.e., cool/wet vs. warm/dry), marketable yield response to N application was either positive or no response was observed. Total percent N in the fruit and shoot was lower in non-fertilized plants compared with plants grown in plots that received 70 or 210 kg N ha–1. There were considerable differences among locations in soil mineral N, yield, NUE, and plant N uptake and removal. For all eight fertilizer- and soil-based NUE indices assessed, NUE decreased as N application increased. However, for plant-based NUE indices, there was no difference in NUE values between N treatments. Thus, the interpretation and applicability of NUE depends on the goals of the research and the index used.

Description

Keywords

Nutrient use efficiency, green bell peppers, harvest index, nitrogen, fertilizer, vegetable

Citation

Van Eerd, L. L.. 2007. Evaluation of different nitrogen use efficiency indices using field-grown green bell peppers ( Capsicum annum L.). Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 87(3):565-569

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