Comparable soluble N to controlled-release fertilizers: Storage cabbage yield, profit margins, and nitrogen use efficiency

Controlled-release fertilizers can improve fertilizer use efficiency by synchronizing nitrogen availability with plant demand. This study compared split-applied ammonium nitrate, poly-coated urea (PCU) applied pre-plant, and soluble N at a ratio of 75:25 in late-season storage cabbage. Compared with ammonium nitrate, PCU did not affect plant N content, reduce soil nitrate, or reduce nitrogen use efficiency. PCU treatments for cabbage production were equivalent to the standard practice.