Effects of partial replacement of nitrate with different nitrogen forms on the yield,quality and nitrate content of Chinese kale

In this study, the yields, nutritional qualities and nitrate (NO₃) content of Chinese kale were studied with two cultivars, following partial replacement of nitrate (20%) with ammonium (NH₄), urea and glycine in hydroponics. The results showed that, compared with the full nitrate treatment, ammonium replacement increased the fresh weight by 18.1% and 8.0% of ‘Zaobao’ and ‘Lvbao’ cultivars respectively, whereas urea and glycine replacements decreased the biomass significantly. Adding different nitrogen (N) forms significantly improved the contents of vitamin C, soluble sugar, free amino acid, protein, soluble phenol and flavonoids in Chinese kale. Adding the three alternative N forms also reduced nitrate content significantly, in which glycine replacement was the lowest. According to the results obtained, different forms of N replacement could be used for different purposes. Glycine replacement could be the best alternative only to improve qualities, while ammonium replacement could be the best alternative to improve both the yield and qualities.