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Abstract
A two-year field experiment was carried out in a typical Mediterranean environment (Foggia, Southern Italy) to evaluate the effect of the reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilization on yield, quality, N uptake, N utilization efficiency, and on environmental impact of processing spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). In a completely randomized experimental design with four replications, 50, 75, and 100% (150, 225, and 300 kg N ha−1, respectively) of the normal rate applied by the farmers in the trial area were compared. In both years, the total amount of the urea fertilizer applied was broadcasted three times. The results obtained indicate that a lower N fertilization level ensured a satisfactory yield, increased quality and N utilization efficiency. However, crop performances and the amount of N available for leaching were dependent by the weather conditions occurred during plants growth, being significant the year × N fertilization rate interaction.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank the technical staff of Agronomic Department of Unilever Italy for their invaluable contribution to the set up and management of the spinach fields. Many thanks also to Corrado Ciaccia, Stefano Salvatori and Alberto Alianello of CRA—RPS for their help in plant and soil analysis. This work was funded by the AZORT research project.