The Impact of Ammonium to Nitrate Ratio on the Growth and Nutritional Status of Kale

Abstract

The effect of four NH4:NO3 ratios in the nutrient solution (0:100; 25:75; 50:50 and 75:25) on growth and nutrient concentrations of four kale (Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala) hybrids: ‘CN KAL 1029’, ‘Redbor’, ‘Winnetou’, ‘Reflex’ and  one indigenous cultivar: ‘Ntopia Mytilinis’ was investigated. In the first four weeks of cultivation none of the NH4/NO3 ratios applied induced adverse effects on most growth characteristics determined whereas plants grown with 75% NH4-N accumulated higher leaf N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations. After an eight week period, plants under 75% NH4-N showed significant reductions in many growth parameters suggesting a probable preference of kale plants grown for a prolonged period towards either a complete exclusion of NH4 from the nutrient solution or a 25:75 or a 50:50 NH4/NO3 ratio. Among the genotypes tested, ‘Ntopia Mytilinis’ produced the greatest yield with the lowest leaf nitrate accumulation.    ********* In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue. *********