[Examining the effects of reduced nitrogen fertilization on the yield and fruit quality of greenhouse cultivated cucumber].

, which was acceptable according to the National Food Safety Standard of China. However, when compared with no fertilization control, N fertilization increased nitrate content by 18.1%-44.5%. Chemical N fertilization resulted in a decrease of vitamin C, soluble sugar and soluble protein contents in cucumber, and caused significant temporary changes of soil pH and other chemical and physical properties of the soil. No significant correlations were found between cucumber yields, economic benefit and soil property variables under the excessive use of N fertilizer. It was concluded that N fertilization could be reduced by half with no significant reduction of fruit yield and quality for cucumbers cultivated in greenhouse located in the coastal hilly region of East China.