Effect of nitrate:Ammonium ratios on growth of asparagus seedlings in sand culture

Abstract

Abstract Growth of asparagus seedlings when grown in seven solutions with varying nitrate: ammonium ratios (NO3 -: NH4 +) was compared. The proportion of N present as NO3 - ranged from 100% to 50%. Asparagus grew best in NO3 - dominated solutions with maximum shoot and root growth occurring with NO3 -: NH4 + mixtures containing nitrogen as 17–40% NH4 +. Significant reductions in growth occurred with either 100% NO3 - or 50% NH4 +.