Nitrogen uptake and ultiization by Bell Pepper in subtropical Australia

Abstract Concern over the pollution potential of nitrogen (N) fertilisers has prompted studies of the utilisation efficiency of applied N by crops. This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of N usage by bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) grown with plastic mulch and trickle irrigation, and to define a rate of applied N which is equal to uptake by the crop. The relationships between applied N (0, 70, 140, 210, and 280 kg/ha), nutrient uptake, and yield for spring and autumn bell pepper crops grown on a major soil type (Tropeptic Eutrustox) in the Bundaberg region of subtropical Australia were investigated. Maximum dry weight yield of fruit, leaves, roots, and stems corresponded with N210 to N280 for both spring and autumn crops. In addition, maximum fresh weight of marketable fruit corresponded with N210 to N280 for both seasons. Nitrogen uptake was equal to the applied rate at N140. Plant uptake of elements increased with applied N and, at N280, were ranked as follows: K> N> Ca> Mg > S > P. Frui...