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

The effects of the amount and the method of nitrogen application on yield and quality of broccoli were studied during three seasons. Different amounts of nitrogen fertilizer were applied broadcast or band placed at planting. Band placement of fertilizer increased the yield in five out of eight experiments. Application of nitrogen results in larger heads. No relationship was found between mineral nitrogen at planting and optimum nitrogen applications because of the narrow range of amounts of mineral nitrogen at planting. Split application had no or a negative effect on yield and therefore is not recommended. For optimum yields it is recommended to apply 270 kg of nitrogen per hectare, minus the mineral nitrogen in the soil layer 0-60 cm at planting, band placed at planting. For broadcast application 275 kg of nitrogen minus mineral nitrogen applied at planting is recommended, but yield will be lower as compared with band placement of fertilizer.