Effects of different fertilization practices on the quality of stored carrot

Abstract

The effects of different fertilization practices on quality constituents of stored carrots were studied. The field experiments were carried out in southern Finland, and the carrots were stored in refrigerated storage for six months in 1985 and four months in 1986. After storage period the marketable yield and weight loss were measured, carotene content was analyzed and a sensory evaluation for taste and texture was performed in both years. In 1986, also NO3-N, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, ash, glucose, fructose and sucrose were analysed. In 1985, after storage, NPK fertirrigations without basic fertilization showed a tendency to produce a lower marketable yield than single application and placement fertilization. In 1986, after storage, split application and NPK fertirrigations showed a tendency to produce a lower marketable yield than unirrigated single application. The supraoptimal N amount showed a tendency to have a higher carotene content than optimal N amount, and NPK fertirrigations lower NO3-N content than irrigated single application. The irrigated placement and broadcast treatments yielded high K contents. The unfertilized treatments yielded higher marketable yield, lower NO3-N, N and K contents than fertilized treatments as an average.