Effect of nitrogen fertilization on nitrate accumulation in radish (Raphunus sativus) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Nitrate is one of the most frequent utilized forms of N from soil and it is the major form of
nitrogen taken up by plants. Through root they reach stem and leaf where in photosynthetic
processes they convert into proteins. Due to exposure to stress situations and excessive nitrogen
fertilization, nitrate accumulation in plant tissues and organs occurs (Krnjaja, 2008). Excess
amount of nitrate caused health hazards. Vegetables are the major source of daily intake of
nitrate by human beings, supplying about 72 to 94% of the total intake. The Acceptable Daily
body weight (Santamaria, 2006). Higher
concentration of nitrate is badly affected to environment, animals, and humans. Main objectives
of this research are to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on nitrate accumulation in
radish and beetroot and to determine plant part where the maximum nitrate accumulations take
place.
Methodology
The current study was carried out at Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute,
Gannoruwa. Five different N levels of DOA (Department of Agriculture) recommended dosages
together full recommended TSP and MOP levels were applied as treatments. No fertilizer
treatment used as a control. Field trail was arranged according to Randomized Complete Block
Design with three replicates. Recommended spacing used for each crop.
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, Export Agriculture, Vegetable Cultivation, Crop Production, Crop Production Technology