Fertilization may help crops to yield better. To determine whether meteorological
and
soil
conditions
influence
the
productive
response
of nitrogen
fertilization
in
sunflower,
a study
was
conducted
in
an Italian
interregional
project
(BIOLI). The effects
of nitrogen
fertilization
on
two
commercial
higholeic
varieties
(Carnia
and
PR 64 H 61) was
investigated
in
North
East
(Udine)
and
East
Central
Italy
(Osimo)
during
2005.
Nitrogen
fertilization
was
not
effective
in
Osimo
under
rainfed
and
drought
conditions,
whereas
the
highest
N
level
gave the
best
yield
in
Udine
in
wet
and
irrigated
conditions.
In both
locations
plant
size
was positively
influenced
by fertilization.
No differences were observed among varieties in Osimo, whereas in Udine
the locally selected hybrid had the best performance. Nitrogen fertilization is
suggested only in good weather conditions and in nitrogen poor soil. Under
drought conditions nitrogen influences plant growth but not yield.
