A Detailed Explanation of the Relationship Between Vegetable Quality and Fertilization

Vegetable quality is closely related to fertilization, and vegetable quality can be improved through regulatory methods. Insufficient or excessive nutrients will both affect vegetable quality. For example, insufficient nitrogen supply causes stunted vegetable growth, small size, and yellowing leaves; deficiency of calcium and boron can lead to deformed fruit. Whether nutrients can be supplied in a balanced way also directly affects the formation of vegetable flavor. For example, excessive nitrogen application will make cucumbers taste bitter; nitrogen also affects the synthesis of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, the substances responsible for the pungency of peppers; insufficient potassium supply will worsen the palatability of melons; the balanced supply of various elements such as nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur can promote the formation of substances responsible for the special flavors of vegetables such as kohlrabi; the formation of the special flavors of onions, Welsh onions, and garlic is all closely related to the supply of these nutrients.

The nutritional quality of vegetables is closely related to the supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and medium and trace elements. For example, nitrogen can increase the content of protein, amino acids, and carotene in vegetable plants; under salt stress conditions, applying calcium can increase cucumber yield while also increasing the content of soluble sugars. The supply of potassium plays an important role in the growth and development of some vegetables, and can also increase the content of vitamin C. The application of mineral elements enables vegetables to increase the content of trace elements that are important to human health.

The increase in nitrate content in leafy vegetables is mainly related to excessive nitrogen application. Proper selection of nitrogen fertilizer and appropriate nitrogen application can produce vegetables that contain almost no nitrate. Other nutrient elements also play important roles in the nitrate metabolism process of vegetable plants.

It can thus be seen that soil testing and formulated fertilization for vegetables is an important measure for improving quality and increasing yield and income in vegetable production.