Nitrogen Dynamics of Cole Crop Production: Implications for Fertility Management and Environmental Protection

Abstract

Intensive production of cool-season vegetables has contributed to nitrate pollution of groundwater along the central coast of California. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) are important crops in this region, but few data are available regarding the nitrogen dynamics of these cole crops under current production practices, and whether those practices are protective of groundwater. Monitoring was conducted in 14 commercial broccoli, 8 cabbage, and 8 cauliflower fields evaluating crop growth, rooting depth, N uptake and partitioning, patterns of soil N availability, and current N fertilization and irrigation practices. Aboveground biomass N at harvest averaged 367, 367, and 319 kg·ha−1 for broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, respectively, with mean N fertilization rates of 209, 280, and 256 kg·ha−1. The relatively small fraction of biomass N removed at harvest with cauliflower (23%) and broccoli (31%) resulted in a low partial N balance (PNB) of 30% and 57%, respectively, compared with cabbage (PNB of 70%). Rooting depth increased throughout the growing season, reaching ≈1 m by harvest, with about 70% of roots located in the top 40 cm in all crops. Soil mineral N (SMN; 0- to 30-cm depth) varied among fields, with the early-season median value of 18 mg·kg−1 declining to 5 mg·kg−1 by harvest. Seasonal N application was not correlated with early-season SMN. Irrigation applied, predominately through sprinklers, averaged >200% of estimated crop evapotranspiration. Substantial N mineralization from broccoli residue was observed within 2–3 months following fall incorporation, with potential NO3-N leaching losses exceeding 100 kg·ha−1 in both monitored fields. We conclude that improved irrigation management, adjusting N rates based on residual SMN, and employing a remediation practice such as cover cropping to limit winter NO3-N leaching losses could substantially improve N efficiency in cole crop production.