Chenyu Wang, Xinyu Ding, Zemeng Ma, Zijuan Peng, Xiaorong Zhao & Guitong Li
Abstract
Purpose
To differentiate between compost-derived nitrogen (N) and chemical-N, and to measure the chemical-N use efficiency in leaf vegetables under continuous cropping systems.
Methods
We employed 15N-labeled chemical fertilizer to distinguish compost-N from chemical-N. Additionally, a 15N mirror-labeling method was designed to differentiate the first and second chemical-N applications in a continuous cropping system. This involved setting up two replicated treatments per experimental condition: one with 15N-labeled fertilizer and the other unlabeled. By calculating the difference between these replications, the NUE of the first and second fertilizer applications was determined.
Results
The study examined the impact of organic fertilizer type on vegetable N uptake and N conversion by applying compost and chemical fertilizer consecutively in two crop cycles on an inorganic matrix.
Conclusions
The 15N mirror labeling method, in which the core concept is the combined calculation of 15N labeling and the difference between the replications, could be used for measuring NUE in the continue cropping system with the repeated application of the same fertilizer.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Two Successive-Planted Vegetables Growing in Culture Matrix Fertilized with Compost and Chemical Fertilizer, Determined by Mirror 15N Labeling Method.pdf