Work

Less is More? Basil Growth and Flowering under Below-Recommended Nitrogen Fertilization Rates

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an herb commonly used as a flavoring additive for food. Its cultivation requires the selection of an adequate fertilization level that results in the greatest crop yield. This study evaluated the effects of four sub-recommended nitrogen fertilization levels [0, 21, 48 and 91 ppm N (mg·L−1 nitrogen)] on basil (cv. ‘Dark Opal’) growth, flower production, time of flowering, and leaf and stem N and C contents. The nitrogen fertilization level closest to the optimal rate (91 ppm N) produced plants with greater canopy weights, and more plants flowered than at the lower fertilization levels. However, plants fertilized at 21 ppm N were 14.7% taller and had about the same number of fully expanded leaves and branches, but with more flower clusters, than plants fertilized at 91 ppm N at 56 days after the initiation of the fertilization treatments. Growers may benefit from a lower-than-recommended nitrogen fertilization level (21 ppm N), which produced plants with more flowering clusters per flower head and with just as many leaves as higher nitrogen fertilization levels.

Source: Journal of Environmental Horticulture

DOI: 10.24266/0738-2898-34.3.84

Authors: Stephanie A. Rhodes, Juang-Horng Chong

Institution: Clemson University

Language: English

Topic: Plant Growth and Agriculture Techniques

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Clemson University, National Institute of Food and Agriculture