Use of a chlorophyll meter to evaluate the nitrogen status of dryland winter wheat

Abstract

Chlorophyll meter leaf readings were compared to grain yield, leaf N concentration and soil NH₄‐N plus NO₃‐N levels from N rate studies for dryland winter wheat Soil N tests and wheat leaf N concentrations have been taken in the spring at the late tillering stage (Feekes 5) to document a crop N deficiency and to make fertilizer N recommendations. The chlorophyll meter offers another possible technique to estimate crop N status and determine the need for additional N fertilizer. Results with the chlorophyll meter indicate a positive association between chlorophyll meter readings and grain yield, leaf N concentration and soil NH₄‐N plus NO₃‐N. Additional tests are needed to evaluate other factors such as differences among locations, cultivars, soil moisture and profile N status.     

Correlation of leaf chlorophyll readings and stem nitrate concentrations in peppermint

Abstract

The SPAD chlorophyll meter appears promising for rapid, on‐farm analysis of crop nitrogen (N) status. Leaf SPAD chlorophyll levels have been correlated with total leaf N concentrations, but it has not been determined how they relate to other widely applied N diagnoses such as petiole or stem nitrate (NO₃) analysis. Our objective was to examine the relationship between leaf SPAD readings and stem NO₃ levels in peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). Upper canopy SPAD chlorophyll and stem NO₃ concentrations were determined weekly during two seasons for peppermint grown with variable N inputs. Leaf SPAD levels exhibited significant linear‐plateau responses with respect to stem NO₃, indicating that SPAD readings do not respond to luxury N consumption. The meter is therefore promising for the detection of crop N deficiencies by comparison of production fields to well fertilized plots or strips. Break‐points in the linear‐plateau regressions describe saturation concentrations of stem NO₃ with respect to leaf SPAD levels peaking at 12,000 mg NO₃‐N/kg in mid to late July and declining later in the season. The SPAD meter may be applied directly to N management by use of reference plots or it may be used as a tool to aid in determination of criteria for other diagnoses such as tissue NO₃.     

Ammonium concentration in solution affects chlorophyll meter readings in tomato leaves

Abstract

Combinations of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N usually result in higher tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yields than when either form of nitrogen (N) was used alone. Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf N content, but the effect of the NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratio on leaf greenness was not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratios on chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings, and evaluate the meter as a N status estimator and tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. Fruit yield and SPAD readings increased as the amount of NH₄‐N in solution increased up to 25%, while higher ratios of NH₄‐N resulted in a decline in both. The N concentration in tomato leaves increased as concentration of NH₄‐N in solution increased. Fruit yield increased as chlorophyll readings increased. SPAD readings, total N in leaves, fresh weight of shoots, and fruit yield all showed a quadratic response to NH₄‐N, reaching a peak at 25 or 50% of N as NH₄‐N. SPAD readings taken at the vegetative and flowering stages of growth had the highest correlation (r²=0.54) with N concentration in leaves, but this could not be used as a reliable estimate of N status and fruit yield. Lack of correspondence between high N concentration values and fruit yield indicated a detrimental effect of NH₄‐N on chlorophyll molecules or chloroplast structure. The SPAD readings, however, may be used to determine the optimum NH₄‐N concentration in solution to maximize fruit yield.     

棉株氮营养状况评估方法的比较研究

在田间和温室条件下分别用传统的硝化测氮法与叶绿素仪(SPAD.meter)和Cardy.NO3-nitrate.meter两种便携式氮素测定仪对棉花花铃期氮素营养状况进行了评估和跟踪。结果表明,传统的硝化测氮法测得的叶片全N和叶柄NO3--N含量和叶绿素仪(SPAD.meter)及Cardy.NO3-nitrate.meter的读数都反应出大田生长的棉株叶片和叶柄的含氮量因施氮水平、棉桃载荷和后期施用叶面氮肥而不同。在较高施氮水平下,单株棉桃数较少(即低载荷)以及叶面施用氮肥的棉株叶片和叶柄的含氮量明显高于其它处理,且叶绿素仪(SPAD.meter)和Cardy.NO3-nitrate.meter的读数与叶片的全N百分数和叶柄NO3--N含量存在显著的正相关,其相关系数在大田条件下平均为0.70;温室条件下平均为0.90。     

Petiole and leaf nitrate studies in sunflower

Abstract

This study was conducted at two sites in Mississippi to determine whether petiole and leaf NO^‐ ₃ monitoring could be used as a management tool in making fertilizer N recommendations for sunflower (Hellanthus annuus L.). Petiole and leaf samples were taken at the four leaf stage at both sites, and later at two week intervals at Brooksville. Petiole and leaf NO^‐ ₃ at the four leaf stage was significantly influenced by rate of N application at both sites. The level of petiole and leaf NO^‐ ₃ was highly correlated with rate of N application as well as with seed yield. The concentration of NO^‐ ₃ in petioles and leaves was greatest at the four leaf stage and showed quadratic declines as the season progressed. Petiole and leaf NO^‐ ₃ showed the highest correlations with rate of N application and seed yield at the four leaf stage than at any other sampling time at Brooksville, indicating that this was the “best” period for taking petiole and leaf samples. However, analysis of petioles and leaves at the four leaf growth stage for NO^‐ ₃ may have limited potential of becoming a useful tool in making N fertilizer recommendations for sunflower. This is due to the sensitivity of both petiole and leaf NO^‐ ₃ to time of sampling and locational differences, as well as lack of information on response of sunflower to N applied after this stage of growth.     

Sulphur fertilizer effect on cotton: I. Nitrogen and sulphur status and petiole nitrate‐nitrogen

Abstract

The effect of S fertilization on S and N status and petiole NO₃ ^?‐N in cotton was observed during the growing seasons of 1980 and 1981. Four sites representing 2 soil subgroups were studied using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Leaf and petiole sampling began one week prior to bloom initiation and continued weekly for eight weeks. Leaf samples were analyzed for S and N and the petioles for NO₃ ^?‐N. Levels of leaf‐S varied directly with amounts of applied S. Leaf‐N and petiole NO₃ ^?‐N varied directly with amounts of applied N. Though not always significant, petiole NO₃ ^?‐N and leaf‐N showed negative correlations with leaf‐S. These results suggest that knowledge of the cotton plant S status may be necessary to interpret petiole NO₃ ^?‐N for N fertilization of cotton.     

Tomato leaf chlorophyll meter readings as affected by variety,nitrogen form,and nighttime nutrient solution strength

Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf nitrogen (N) content, so it is reasonable to assume that ammonium‐N (NH₄‐N): nitrate‐N (NO₃‐N) ratio in the nutrient solution used to grow tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hydroponically may affect leaf greenness, and consequently chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. It has also been shown that increasing nutrient solution strength (NSS) increases tomato productivity, but there are no reports regarding how NSS affects SPAD readings under greenhouse conditions. Genotype may also influence SPAD readings, and standardization for cultivar and sampling time may be needed. The objective of this study was to characterize SPAD readings for five tomato cultivars and SPAD reading response to a combination of two NSS (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength daily applied 18 days after transplanting at 7 p.m.) and two concentrations of NH₄‐N in solution (0 and 25%) in order to evaluate the potential of SPAD readings as a tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. The SPAD readings were not uniform across tomato varieties tested, being consistently higher for ‘Max’ and lower for the other varieties. Initially, SPAD readings for tomato varieties used in this study were low at the vegetative stage, and increased up to 40 DAT, but subsequently decreased at 49 DAT, or the fruit set of the first and second clusters. After this time, SPAD readings showed no variation. Chlorophyll meter readings for ‘Max’ were higher in the top plant layers, but decreased in the top plant layer of the other tomato varieties. The SPAD readings were higher for plants supplied with 25% NH₄‐N than those without NH₄‐N in solution, but the use of a nighttime nutrient solution did not affect SPAD readings. None of the possible interactions among tomato variety, NH₄‐N: NO₃‐N ratio, and NSS were consistently significant.     

Chlorophyll meter predicts nitrogen status of tall fescue

The nitrogen (N) status of a crop can be used to predict yield and supplemental N fertilizer requirements, and rapid techniques for evaluating the N status of crops are needed. A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using a hand held chlorophyll meter (SPAD 502, Minolta Co. Ltd., Japan) to monitor N status of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Four diverse tall fescue genotypes were grown at three locations in Alabama and fertilized at four N‐rates from 0 to 336 kg ha^‐1. A similar experiment was conducted in the greenhouse using soil from the same field sites. Chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD) were taken, and extractable chlorophyll content, tissue N concentration and dry matter yield were determined at harvest. SPAD, extractable chlorophyll content, tissue N concentration, and dry matter yield increased quadratically (0.67 < R² < 0.99) with increasing N fertilization in both experiments. All genotypes responded similarly to applied N, with some differences in magnitude. Relationships between SPAD meter readings and extractable chlorophyll and tissue N concentrations were linear with r² > 0.95. An additional independent variable, the square root of the inverse of SPAD, lowered the residual mean square by 11 and 16%, respectively, for tissue‐N and chlorophyll concentrations, but did not increase the R². This would be preferred for predictive purposes. Tissue N concentrations at higher N‐rates were sufficient for maximum yield which occurred at 290 and 248 kg N ha^‐1 for greenhouse and field, respectively, but were lower than previously reported sufficiency values. The chlorophyll meter is an easy and efficient method of detecting tall fescue N status.     

Chlorophyll meter readings in corn as affected by plant spacing

Abstract

Heightened environmental consciousness has increased the perceived need to improve nitrogen (N) use efficiency by crops. Synchronizing fertilizer N availability with maximum crop N uptake has been proposed as a way to improve N‐use efficiency and protect ground water quality. Chlorophyll meters (Minolta SPAD 502) have the potential to conveniently evaluate the N status of corn (Zea mays L.) and help improve N management. A potential problem with the use of chlorophyll meters is the effect of within‐row plant spacing on meter reading variability. Chlorophyll meter readings and leaf N concentration of irrigated corn at anthesis and grain yield at harvest were measured on plants grouped into eight within‐row plant spacing categories. Leaf N concentration was not affected by plant spacings, but chlorophyll meter readings and grain yield per plant increased as plant competition decreased and N fertilizer rate increased. These data indicate that avoiding plants having extreme spacings can greatly increase precision when using chlorophyll meters to evaluate the N status of corn.     

Leaf nitrate partitioning and growth response in pumpkin as influenced by nitrogen rate

Abstract

Pumpkin species Cucurbita moschata ‘Dickenson Field’ and C. pepo ‘Connecticut Field’ were grown in the greenhouse in a Plain‐field sand at 8 rates of N applied as Ca(NO₃)_2. Petiole NO₃ concentrations in recently mature and mature leaves were highly responsive to N rate. Wien plants were stressed for N, translocation of petiole NO₃ was primarily to the corresponding blade. The levels as well as the range of NO₃ concentration in the leaf blade were lower than those in the petiole. The NO₃ content in the leaf blade was slower to react to N stress than that in the petiole. Variability in NO₃ concentration among leaf parts was lowest in the petiole and highest in the blade. For each leaf part, variability in NO₃ concentration decreased with leaf age. Critical NO₃‐N concentrations in C. moschata were estimated at 18950 and 3500 ppm in mature petioles and 14700 and 3050 ppm in recently mature petioles at early vegetative and full flower growth stages, respectively.     

Estimation of Chlorophyll Contents by Correlations between SPAD‐502 Meter and Chroma Meter in Butterhead Lettuce

Abstract

Chlorophyll content of butterhead lettuce leaves was estimated by correlations between the Minolta SPAD‐502 and Minolta chroma meter CR 300. The SPAD‐502 readings and extractable chlorophyll (Chl a, Chl b, and total Chlorophyll) contents were related. High linear correlations were obtained for chlorophyll a (R²=0.90), chlorophyll b (R²=0.85), and total chlorophyll (R²=0.92). After that, during the growth cycle of butterhead lettuce grown in soilless culture, leaves were selected and SPAD‐502 and chroma meter readings were made. Finally, correlations between SPAD‐502 readings and leaf color (L*, a*, b*, C*, and hue angle) determined by the chroma meter were calculated. Hue angle (H°; R²=0.75) and lightness index (L*; R²=0.68) were the parameters that better relate with SPAD‐502 readings, so these parameters can also be used for rapid and nondestructive estimates of leaf chlorophyll in situ.     

Chlorophyll meter as nitrogen management tool in malting barley

Abstract

Variable precipitation in many regions makes it difficult to predict yield goals and nitrogen (N) rates for malting grade barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). During years with below normal growing season precipitation, barley fertilized at the recommended rate often exhibits grain protein concentrations exceeding what is acceptable for malting. A study was conducted to evaluate the chlorophyll meter as a N management tool. Barley was grown under several N rates in the field. Chlorophyll meter readings and N additions were made at the Haun 4 to 5 growth stage, and grain yield and protein concentrations were evaluated at maturity. Chlorophyll meter readings, normalized as meter reading from treatment plot divided by that from a plot receiving a full N treatment at the Haun 4 to 5 growth stage, were correlated with grain yield (r²=0.67). Stands having normalized chlorophyll meter readings below 95% responded to N additions with yields equivalent to the fully fertilized stand and grain protein concentrations acceptable for malting. A N management strategy is proposed whereby 40 to 50% of the N calculated for the yield goal is applied at planting and a fully fertilized reference strip is included for each variety or soil type. At the Haun 4 to 5 growth stage, chlorophyll meter readings are taken in the reference strip and in the field. Normalized chlorophyll meter readings below 95% of the reference strip indicate a need for additional N fertilizer. This strategy will provide producers with additional time (up to a month) to evaluate growing season conditions before investing in additional crop inputs and will improve the likelihood that a barley crop acceptable for malting will be produced.     

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide effects on sorghum and soybean nutrient status 1

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration could have significant implications on technologies for managing plant nutrition to sustain crop productivity in the future. Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) (C3 species) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) (C4 species) were grown in a replicated split‐plot design using open‐top field chambers under ambient (357 μmol/mol) and elevated (705 μmol/mol) atmospheric CO₂. At anthesis, leaf disks were taken from upper mature leaves of soybean and from the third leaf below the head of sorghum for analysis of plant nutrients. Leaf greenness was measured with a Minolta SPAD‐502 chlorophyll meter. Concentrations of chlorophylls a and b and specific leaf weight were also measured. Above‐ground dry matter and seed yield were determined at maturiry. Seed yield of sorghum increased 17.5% and soybean seed yield increased 34.7% with elevated CO₂. There were no differences in extractable chlorophyll concentration or chlorophyll meter readings due to CO₂ treatment, but meter readings were reduced 6% when sorghum was grown in chambers as compared in the open. Leaf nitrogen (N) concentration of soybean decreased from 54.5 to 39.1 g/kg at the higher CO₂ concentration. Neither the chambers nor CO₂ had an effect on concentrations of other plant nutrients in either species. Further work under field conditions is needed to determine if current critical values for tissue N in crops, especially C3 crops, should be adjusted for future increases in atmospheric CO₂ concentration.     

Using a chlorophyll meter to manage nitrogen applications to corn with high nitrate irrigation water

Abstract

Chlorophyll meters can aid in measuring the nitrogen (N) status of corn (Zea mays), but will the use of chlorophyll meters decrease total N use or increase corn grain yield? Use of a fully fertilized reference strip with a chlorophyll meter (SPAD 502) is an accepted management strategy. The critical level of relative chlorophyll necessary to trigger supplement N is uncertain. To determine the impact of using a 96 or 92% critical level of chlorophyll readings relative to a fully fertilized reference strip, 0 and 112 N kg ha^‐1 were applied at planting for three years. Specific plots were fertilized with an additional 56 kg N ha^‐1 whenever the meter reading on those plots was below either 96 or 92% of the reference area. The experiment was conducted on two Typic Haplustolls and an Entic Haplustoll. Irrigation water contained nitrate ranging from 20 to 38 mg L^‐1. Irrigation water supplied from 43 to 120 kg N ha^‐1 season^‐1. For all treatments that received N‐supplements based on the chlorophyll meter, yields were statistically the same. The chlorophyll meter is a useful management tool to help schedule N applications, when irrigation water is contaminated with nitrate since use of the chlorophyll meter prevented any yield limiting N deficiencies.     

TOMATO LEAF CHLOROPHYLL METER READINGS AS AFFECTED BY VARIETY,NITROGEN FORM,AND NIGHTTIME NUTRIENT SOLUTION STRENGTH

ABSTRACT

Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf nitrogen (N) content, so it is reasonable to assume that NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio in the nutrient solution used to grow tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hydroponically may affect leaf greenness, and consequently chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. It has also been shown that increasing nutrient solution strength (NSS) increases tomato productivity, but there are no reports regarding how NSS affects SPAD readings under greenhouse conditions. Genotype may also influence SPAD readings, and standardization for cultivar and sampling time may be needed. The objective of this study was to characterize SPAD readings for five tomato cultivars, and SPAD reading response to a combination of two nutrient solutions strength (NSS) (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength daily applied 18 days after transplanting at 7 p.m.) and two concentrations of NH₄–N in solution (0 and 25%) in order to evaluate the potential of SPAD readings as a tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. The SPAD readings were not uniform across tomato varieties tested, being consistently higher for “Max” and lower for the other varieties. Initially, SPAD readings for tomato varieties used in this study were low at the vegetative stage, and increased up to 40 days after transplant (DAT), but subsequently decreased at 49 DAT, or the fruit set of the first and second clusters. After this time, SPAD readings showed no variation. Chlorophyll meter readings for Max were higher in the top plant layers, but decreased in the top plant layer of the other tomato varieties. The SPAD readings were higher for plants supplied with 25% NH₄–N than those without NH₄–N in solution, but the use of a nighttime nutrient solution did not affect SPAD readings. None of the possible interactions among tomato variety, NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio, and NSS were consistently significant. SAPD readings may be useful in monitoring low or high supply of N in greenhouse grown tomato plants.     

应用叶绿素计诊断烤烟氮素营养状况

为探讨叶绿素计在估测烤烟叶绿素和氮浓度上的应用价值,进行了3个田间试验。即:郑州点2003年设施N.51.0.kg/hm2与4个品种NC89、RG17、85048、541;2004年设5个氮肥用量:N.30.04、0.5、51.0、61.5、75.0.kg/hm2与2个品种中烟101、云烟85;玉溪点于2005年设5个氮肥用量:N.02、7.0、54.5、81.8、109.0.kg/hm2与K326品种的试验。测定了不同试验条件下烤烟叶片的叶绿素计(SPAD-502和CCM-200)值和实际叶绿素浓度、全氮浓度,并进行了三者关系分析。结果表明,应用叶绿素计监测烤烟叶片最佳测定部位为完全展开叶的中部。叶绿素计测定值因年份、地点、氮肥水平、叶位、同一叶片不同的部位而异。叶绿素计值与叶绿素浓度、叶片全氮浓度之间有稳定的极显著相关性。叶绿素计SPAD-502的SPAD值和CCM-200的CCI值与叶绿素浓度之间的决定系数分别为0.8755(P0.001)和0.9499(P0.001)。SPAD计值(SPAD)与全氮浓度(N)之间回归方程为N=0.0265SPAD+0.9601(R2=0.7649,P0.001),经检验该模型具有较好的精确性和普适性,利用叶绿素计进行烤烟氮素营养监测是可行的。     

Potato nitrogen management by monitoring petiole nitrate level

Petiole nitrate nitrogen (NO₃‐N) concentrations have been successfully used in Northwestern New Mexico to make timely nitrogen (N) recommendations for irrigated potatoes. However, a quick test and consistent sampling time is needed to precisely determine fertigation and to prevent over fertilization, especially in sandy soils. This study examined the petiole NO₃‐N dynamics during the growing season for both chipping and table stock varieties. Readings from a quick in‐field sap NO₃‐N meter were highly correlated with NO₃‐N indications using the conventional laboratory method. The sap NO₃‐N meter can significantly reduce testing turnaround time and has great potential for potato N management. Results showed that most consistent NO₃‐N readings could be obtained by collecting tissue samples between 1100 and 1400 hours of the day.     

SOIL-CROP NITROGEN RELATIONSHIPS IN MAIZE GROWN ON CALCAREOUS FIELDS

Maize yield is mainly controlled by nitrogen (N) fertilizers. Failure to predict economic optimum N rate causes over-fertilization of N through traditional application methods. Five field trials were conducted to study soil-crop N relationships in maize under field conditions. Optimum level of N application in this study was much lower than conventional N fertilization in calcareous soils of southern Iran, demonstrating over-fertilization of N fertilizers by farmers. Linear regression equations were found between total nitrogen (TN) and chlorophyll meter readings (CMR) (years 2001 and 2002) in both locations demonstrating that chlorophyll meter might be used in predicting TN in maize shoot. Results indicated that soil sampling location influenced on soil NO₃-N concentration at 4–6 leaf stage. In conclusion, N use efficiency can be improved by in-season soil NO₃-N testing. It appears that in Kooshkak and Bajgah experimental stations, soil samples for NO₃-N testing should be collected from shoulder and bottom of furrows, respectively.     

Evaluation of the Minolta SPAD‐502 chlorophyll meter for nitrogen management in corn

The field study investigated the relationship of Minolta SPAD 502 (SPAD) readings to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate, corn (Zea mays L.) yield, and leaf N concentration. The experiment was conducted on a total of six sites in Illinois during 1991 and 1992. Ten different open pedigree corn hybrids were grown at a final population of 65,000 plants ha^‐1. Nitrogen was applied at four rates(0, 90, 180, and 270 kgN ha^‐1) as 28% liquid N solution. Significant main effects of environment (E), and hybrid (H), and E x H interaction were detected for all measured parameters. SPAD readings and leaf N concentration at all sampling times (V7, R1, and R4) as well as grain N concentration were affected by N fertilizer rate. Maximum mean grain yield and maximum grain N concentration were obtained at 110 and 195 kg N ha^‐1, respectively. At all sampling times the correlation of SPAD readings to N fertilizer rate were low but significant (R=0.22 at V7 and R1, R=0.11 at R4). SPAD correlation to corresponding leaf N concentration improved over time. The Pearson correlation was R=0.33 at V7 and increased to R=0.78 at R4. The SPAD meter did a good job at providing a measure of the relative greenness of living leaves at a specific point in time. Chlorophyll readings can therefore be useful in detecting N deficiencies in growing crops. But, the SPAD meter cannot be used to make accurate predictions of how much fertilizer N will be needed by a crop during the future growing season. We conclude then that the SPAD meter will be most useful as a diagnostic aid rather than a tool for N management in corn.     

Leaf Chlorophyll Readings as an Indicator for Spinach Yield and Nutritional Quality with Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of predicting the concentrations of total nitrogen (N), nitrate-nitrogen, and ascorbic acid in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves using the pocket chlorophyll meter SPAD-502 (Minolta, Japan) in a pot experiment in a greenhouse. Spinach plants were grown in plastic pots filled with 0.5 kg of brown soil per pot with urea as N fertilizer at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 mg N/kg soil. SPAD readings of the two uppermost fully expanded leaves were recorded 18, 25, and 32 d after sowing and at harvesting (34 d). Dry-matter biomass and total N concentrations in leaves and roots, and NO₃-N, and ascorbic acid concentrations in leaves, were measured after harvesting. SPAD readings showed continuous reduction with increasing growth period irrespective of N applications. SPAD readings at harvest were significantly correlated with total N, leaf dry weight (DW), and NO₃-N concentration. However, this correlation did not exist between SPAD readings and ascorbic acid concentrations in leaves. The above results suggest that it is possible to apply SPAD readings to estimate NO₃-N concentrations in spinach plants, and that they may be applied for field assessments in decision-making and operational nutrient-management programs for the plant. Furthermore, the SPAD method may also be useful for ascertaining the harvest time. The results suggest that treatment with 120 mg N/kg significantly improved both leaf yields and leaf quality (i.e., leaf nitrate-N concentration and ascorbic acid). Too little and too much N fertilizer was not good for yield or spinach quality.