Evaluation of calcium nitrate level and timing of top-dressing in radish

This trial was set out to evaluate the effect of levels and timing of top-dressing with calcium nitrate in radish (cv Redondo Vermelho). Seven treatments [resulted of the combination of two factors: timing of top-dressing (9 and 20 days after sowing-DAS) and N level (100; 200 and 300 kg/ha), besides a standard without top-dressing] were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with five replicates and plots with 1.2 m x 0.8 m. In general, timing of top-dressing was more important than N levels. When fertilization was made 9 DAS shoot yield was 10.3 t/ha, total root yield was 10.6 t/ha and commercial root yield was 6.2 t/ha, superior to fertilization 20 DAS (7.7 t/ha, 5.8 t/ha and 2.7 t/ha obtained to shoot, total and commercial root yield, respectively). The root yield was increased with greater N levels (5.1 t/ha and 3.6 t/ha obtained to commercial root yield with 300 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha, respectively). Taking into account the conditions under which this experiment was done, the best results were obtained with 200 kg/ha aplied 9 DAS.

Raphanus sativus; nutrition; yield; fertilization