EFFECTS OF LIME AND GYPSUM ON YIELDS AND NUTRITION OF TWO CULTIVARS OF BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out at different locations in Prince Edward Island each year for 3 consecutive years to determine the effects of calcific limestone, dolomitic limestone, and gypsum on yields and nutrition of two cultivars of Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera). The soils at the sites selected had initial pH levels of 4.9–5.7. Preplant, broadcast applications of gypsum at 5.5 t ha−1 resulted in yield increases of about 30% at all locations. Analysis of leaf tissue collected when the sprouts began to form indicated that Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn concentrations of approximately 1.4–2.6%, 0.25–0.32%, 88–274 μg g−1 and 26–35 μg g−1, respectively, are within the sufficiency range. The incidence of internal browning was not affected by either the lime or gypsum treatments at the two locations where this disorder occurred. Key words: Lime, gypsum, yield, leaf tissue nutrient concentration, internal browning, Brussels sprouts