Effects of nitrogen on accumulation and partitioning of dry matter and nitrogen of vegetables. 2. Leek

Abstract

Two greenhouse and 2 field trials were carried out on leeks cv. Albana with different N fertilizer rates and application dates. Observations included frequent measurements of DM and N accumulation in leaf blades, leaf sheaths and, if present, scapes. Both the amount of N applied and the time of application affected the total accumulation of DM and N in the plant. The relative partitioning rates of DM increase to the shaft were affected in such a way that the final harvest indices for DM (which ranged from 0.32 to 0.53) were significantly lower at higher N application rates. The final harvest indices for N (0.21-0.35) were not significantly affected by amount or timing of fertilizer applications. The total N concentrations of leaf blades and leaf sheaths decreased with increasing leaf age. Average nitrate N concentrations over all plant parts were always below 40%.