Fate of Nitrogen from Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.)) Crop Residues: A Review and Lysimeter Study

The goal of the European Nitrate Directive 91/676/CEE is to mitigate or prevent water pollution associated with nitrogen (N) cascade. Vegetable crops have a high risk nitrate leaching during autumn and winter. Information about fate N from artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.)) residues reviewed then supplemented three-year study 15N-labelled in an artichoke-cauliflower (Brassica oleracea cv. botrytis) rotation six lysimeters. After three years, 6% was leached, 8% exported by crops, while 86% remained lysimeter. Summed over rotation, 16% artichoke-residue absorbed 14% cauliflower. Total aboveground uptake all entire ranged 370 534 kg ha?1, which 207–311 ha?1 returned soil as residues. Increasing N-recycling efficiency reducing conserving crop productivity requires capturing mineralized organic N. Cauliflower performs this capture effectively drainage period. A break should be introduced after first second harvests further synchronize mineralization reduce rotation.