Einfluß der NO3- bzw. NH4-Ernährung auf Ertrag und Nitratgehalt von Spinat und Kopfsalat

Influence of NO₃ and NH₄-nutrition on yield and nitrate content of spinach and lettuce Field and pot experiments were conducted in order to study the effect of N-supply (N_min + N-fertilization) and partial and complete NH₄-nutrition on yield and nitrate content of spinach and lettuce. The highest yields were obtained when the N-supply of spring spinach was 250 kg N/ha, autumn spinach 200 kg N/ha and lettuce 120 kg N/ha. Nitrate content of plants could be diminished by reducing N-supply. However, if N-supply is below the optimum value yield depressions are inevitable. NH₄-nutrition reduced in both species nitrate content. But, spinach yield was reduced heavily. Very low nitrate content of plants occured, when N-nutrition of plants cultivated in nutrient solution, was changed from NO₃ to NH₄ during the last days before harvest. Herewith similar weights and head quality were obtained as with permanent NO₃-nutrition.