Split nitrogen application in potato: effects on accumulation of nitrogen and dry matter in the crop and on the soil nitrogen budget

In four field experiments, the effects of single nitrogen (N) applications at planting on yield and nitrogen uptake of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) w as compared with two or three split applications. The total amount of N app lied was an experimental factor in three of the experiments. In two experim ents, sequential observations were made during the growing season. Generall y, splitting applications (up to 58 days after emergence) did not affect dr y matter (DM) yield at maturity and tended to result in slightly lower DM c oncentration of tubers, whereas it slightly improved the utilization of nit rogen. Maximum haulm dry weight and N content were lower when less nitrogen was applied during the first 50 days after emergence (DAE). The crops abso rbed little extra nitrogen after 60 DAE (except when three applications wer e given). Soil mineral N (0-60 cm) during the first month reflected the pat tern of N application with values up to 27 g/m(2) N. After 60 DAE, soil min eral N was always around 2-5 g/m(2). The efficiency of N utilization, i.e. the ratio of the N content of the crop to total N available (initial soil m ineral N + deposition + net mineralization) was 0.45 for unfertilized contr ols. The utilization of fertilizer N (i.e. the apparent N recovery) was gen erally somewhat improved by split applications, but declined with the total amount of N applied (range 0.48-0.72). N utilization and its complement, p ossible N loss, were similar for both experiments with sequential observati ons. Separate analysis of the movement of Br- indicated that some nitrate c an be washed below 60 cm soil depth due to dispersion during rainfall. The current study showed that the time when N application can be adjusted to me et estimated requirements extends to (at least) 60 days after emergence. Th at period of time can be exploited to match the N application to the actual crop requirement as it changes during that period.