Yield and nitrogen use efficiency of bell pepper grown in SLAB fertigated with different nitrogen rates

Summary

This protected environment trial examined nitrogen rate effects on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) yield and nutrient use efficiency under substrate (SLAB) fertigated cultivation. Maximum commercial fruit yield of 101.2 t ha−1 was achieved at 5.51 g N plant−1 (355.5 kg ha−1), though nitrogen use efficiency declined and residual nitrate accumulated in the substrate at higher nitrogen rates, indicating potential nutrient losses and environmental concern.

Regional applicability

The findings are relevant to UK horticulture, particularly for protected pepper production, though climate-controlled conditions and substrate-based systems differ from typical UK field vegetable production. The results on optimal nitrogen rates and NUE trade-offs are transferable to UK greenhouse operators seeking to balance yield with nutrient efficiency and reduce substrate contamination.

Key measures

Fruit yield (kg plant−1 and t ha−1), dry mass of leaves/stem/root, nitrogen content and accumulation, residual nitrate and ammonium concentrations in substrate, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)

Outcomes reported

The study measured fruit yield, plant biomass allocation, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and residual nitrogen concentration in the growing substrate across six nitrogen application rates in a protected environment bell pepper crop. Optimal nitrogen rate for maximum commercial fruit yield was identified, along with trade-offs between yield and NUE.

Topic tags