The effect of nitrogen and the method of application on yield and quality of broccoli

The effects of the rate and the method of N application on yield and quality of broccoli cv. Emperor were studied during 3 seasons at Andijk and Lelystad, Netherlands. Different amounts of N fertilizer were applied broadcast or band placed at planting. Band placement of fertilizer increased the yield in 5 out of 8 experiments. Application of N resulted in larger heads. No relationship was found between soil mineral N at planting and optimum N application because of the narrow range of soil mineral N at planting. Split application had no or a negative effect on yield and therefore is not recommended. For optimum yields a rate of 270 kg N/ha is recommended, minus the mineral N in the 0-60 cm soil layer, band placed at planting. For broadcast application 275 kg N minus the soil mineral N is recommended at planting, but yields will be lower than with band placement of fertilizer