Effect of mineral fertilization on the quality parameters of head cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.)

Lyuba Nenova and Ivanka Mitova

Abstract: The effect of mineral fertilization – increasing norms of nitrogen (N80, N160 and N240, kg.ha-1) and background levels of phosphorus and potassium (P150 K100, kg.ha-1) on the quality characteristics of head cabbage was studied in the conditions of field experiment. Absolutely dry weight of cabbage head and inner stem decreased by 7.8% and 8.2% respectively in the variants were fertilization was applied compared to the control. The total sugars content of cabbage head of variants T1-N80 and T2-N160 increased by 18–22%. The total nitrogen and nitrates content in cabbage head biomass were within the tolerable concentrations. Only in the inner stem of the variant fertilized by N240P150K100 the concentration of – 386.6 mg NO3.kg-1 fresh weight was above the admissible norms. A positive correlation relationship was found between absolutely dry weight and total sugars content (R = .812). Most of the quality parameters determined as optimal the fertilization applied in the variant N160P150K100.

Keywords: head cabbage; mineral fertilization; production; quality

Date published: 2020-04-30