Effect of Ammonium and Nitrate Ratios on Growth and Yield of Chinese Kale

The effect of different ammonium and nitrate ratios (NH4+-N : NO3--N = 0:100, 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25) on growth and yield of Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey) with 3 cultivars were studied in hydroponics. The results indicated that, compared with the complete nitrate treatment, plant height, stem diameter and biomass of Chinese kale were increased in the low enhancement of ammonium (25%) in nutrient solution, while plant growth and biomass were decreased in the medium (50%) and high (75%) enhancement of ammonium. Ammonium enhancement treatments increased the root/shoot ratio of Chinese kale. Low enhancement of ammonium (25%) in nutrient solution had no significant effect on root activity of Chinese kale, while it was decreased by the medium (50%) and high (75%) enhancement of ammonium treatments. Nutrient solution with 25% ammonium enhancement maintained a high root absorption capacity and increased plant biomass, so it was appropriate to hydroponics for Chinese kale.

Effect of Ammonium and Nitrate Ratio on Nutritional Quality of Flowering Chinese Cabbage

Effect of ammonium and nitrate ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25) on nutritional quality of flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee) with 3 cultivars were studied in hydroponics. The results indicated that, with the increasing of ammonium proportion in nutrient solution, the soluble sugar content in product organ of flowering Chinese cabbage increased gradually, but Vc content decreased gradually. Enhancement of ammonium by 25% or 50% in nutrient solution increased the soluble protein content in leaf significantly, while it increased gradually in stalk with the increasing of ammonium proportion. Free amino acids in product organ of flowering Chinese cabbage were improved significantly by enhancement of ammonium in nutrient solution. Integrated nutritional quality of flowering Chinese cabbage in 25% ammonium enhancement treatment was better than others under hydroponics condition.