Impact of slurry on the hop (Humulus lupulus L.) yield, its quality and N-min content of the soil

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to answer if cattle slurry can replace mineral fertiliser calcium ammonium nitrate for hop (Humulus lupulus L.) side-dressings, and if it is suitable to be applied after hop harvest, and also show its impact on N-min content of the soil. Cattle slurry was a more appropriate fertiliser for the second and the third hop side-dressings in the investigated years (2010–2012), which were characterised by a lower than average amount of rainfall and higher temperatures, especially in June and in the first half of July. Despite the lower amount of plant-available nitrogen in the cattle slurry (which contains also other nutrients and water), the yield of hop cones and the yield of alpha-acids were significantly higher, the NO₃^–-N content in the cones was lower, and the N-min in the soil was lower. N-min analyses are urgent, at least in years with uncommon precipitation patterns, to make decisions about subsequent side-dressings. The weather conditions had a significant impact on the yield and the NO₃^–-N content of the hop cones but not on the alpha-acid content.