Effects of top-dressing nitrogen levels on the productivity of cauliflower

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is the most used element by plants and its level should be balanced in order to provide a maximum productivity without decreasing plant quality. This study aimed to analyze the effects of nitrogen levels on the cultivation of cauliflower grown in the region of Great Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) state. A field experi­ment was conducted using randomized blocks with four treatments (corresponding to N levels of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg ha^-1) and five replications. The genotype of cauliflower cultivated was hybrid ‘Verona’. Inflorescence diameter (ID), inflorescence mass (IM), commercial productivity of the inflorescence (CPI) and percentage of flo­rets per inflorescence (PFI) were evaluated. The parameters were adjusted by quadratic equations. Levels that maximized the diameter, the mass and the inflorescence productivity were 225.0, 252.5 and 252.5 kg ha^-1 of top-dressing nitrogen, respectively.