Role of nitrogen and magnesium for growth, yield and nutritional quality of radish

Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 May;28(5):3021-3030. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.02.043. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) affects all levels of plant function from metabolism to resource allocation, growth, and development and Magnesium (Mg) is a macronutrient that is necessary to both plant growth and health. Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) occupies an important position in the production and consumption of vegetables globally, but there are still many problems and challenges in its nutrient management. A pot trial was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen and magnesium fertilizers on radish during the year 2018-2019. Nitrogen and magnesium was applied at three rates (0, 0.200, and 0.300 g N kg-1 soil) and (0, 0.050, and 0.100 g Mg kg-1 soil) respectively. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated three times. Growth, yield and quality indicators of radish (plant height, root length, shoot length, plant weight, total soluble sugar, ascorbic acid, total soluble protein, crude fiber, etc.) were studied. The results indicated that different rates of nitrogen and magnesium fertilizer not only influence the growth dynamics and yields but also enhances radish quality. The results revealed that the growth, yield and nutrient contents of radish were increased at a range of 0.00 g N. kg-1 soil to 0.300 g N. kg-1 soil and 0.00 g Mg. kg-1 soil to 0.050 g Mg. kg-1 soil and then decreased gradually at a level of 0.100 g Mg. kg-1 soil. In contrast, the crude fiber contents in radish decreased significantly with increasing nitrogen and magnesium level but increased significantly at Mg2 level (0.050 g Mg. kg-1 soil). The current study produced helpful results for increasing radish quality, decreasing production costs, and diminishing underground water contamination.

Keywords: Growth; Magnesium; Nitrogen; Nutritional quality; Radish; Yield.