Destructive analysis was used to estimate the half-monthly nitrogen content and related growth parameters of drip-fertigated autumn cucumber.
Three fertilizing treatments were compared. The amount of nitrogen applied half-monthly varied independently, but the total amount was kept the same. There was little difference in the yield or growth of cucumber among the patterns of nitrogen application, which suggests that soil has a buffering effect on cucumber yield even if the amount of nitrogen fertilizer changed.
Destructive analysis found a significant correlation between nitrogen content of cucumber plant and the number of increased leaves: (absorbed nitrogen (g/m2/14 days)=increased leaves (no./m2/14 days)×0.0383+1.856). This relationship suggests that the amount of nitrogen required can be assessed by counting the leaves twice a month.
