The effect of three spacings (80x30; 60x30 and 40x30 cm) and five doses of N (0; 75; 150; 225 and 300 kg ha-1), was evaluated on the qualitative aspects of cabbage 'Kenzan' yield. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, in soil with low nitrogen content, in a completely randomized design with split-pot scheme, and four replicates, with spacings in plot and doses in split-plot. The seedlings were produced in trays of 128 cells, under polyethylene cover greenhouse and transplanted 28 days after transplanting date (DAT). The doses of N were divided as follows: 20% of the total dose at transplantation and at 20 DAT and 30% at 35 and 50 DAT. Plants were harvested from 65 to 83 DAT. The average fresh head weight, transverse and longitudinal diameters, volume of head, total protein content and of NO-3-N in the plant fresh weight were evaluated, besides the postharvest losses during storage. Increasing nitrogen doses caused an increment of the values of all characteristics. On the other hand, increasing nitrogen doses caused lose of the postharvest weight. A reduction of spaces resulted in smaller plant fresh weight, volume, transverse and longitudinal diameters, contents of NO-3-N and protein of the heads and increased lost of mass postharvest. Considering the qualitative aspects of the production, spacing of 40x30 cm and the dose of 253 kg ha-1 of N, would be the most suitable for cabbage cultivation and in natura commercialization. When the product was destined for processing, the largest spacing would be more suitable.
Brassica oleracea var. capitata; nitrate; population; quality
