Abstract

Broccoli is considered a crop that requires high amounts of nitrogen (N) to reach its productive potential, since N is the most determining macronutrient for the development and performance of agricultural production. Moreover, N use can have a negative impact on the environment, even under efficient fertigation strategies. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to determine the most adequate N dose to maximize the efficient use of N by the crop, with the least possible impact on the environment. Three treatments were established based on different N extraction coefficients for the crop: 9.0, 7.3, and 5.7 kg of N per t harvested, and the effect on leaf gas exchange and yield was determined. The most restrictive extraction coefficient did not significantly affect plant physiological activity, yield or physical characteristics of the harvested heads