Biomass, nodulation and N2 fixing response by subclover and pink serradela to phosphorus fertilization. Issue 10 (24th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boucho, Ana Cristina; Carranca, Corina; Redondo, Ramón; Calouro, Fátima; Madeira, Manuel
• Is Part Of: Archives of agronomy and soil science. Volume 65:Issue 10(2019)
• Page Start: 1431
• Page End: 1445
• Publication Date: 2019-08-24
• Subjects: Mediterranean condition -- N2 fixation -- 15N technique -- pasture legumes -- phosphorus (P) partitioning in plant organs; Horticulture -- Periodicals; Soils -- Periodicals; 630.5
• DOI: 10.1080/03650340.2019.1566712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0365-0340

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In Mediterranean areas, sustainable production of rainfed pastures is associated with plant species which withstand low soil fertility and variable annual drought, phosphorus (P) being the primary limiting nutrient for legume growth and N2 fixation. A study was undertaken under environmentally controlled conditions to compare the response of subclover and pink serradela to P supply using a moderately acid soil, very poor in available P, in terms of biomass, nodulation pattern, N2 fixation and P use efficiency. A P dose in the range of 30–60 kg P ha −1 is recommended as a starter for pastures under the present conditions. A higher P rate reduced the fixing nodule number and biomass, and the N2 fixation rate. Fixed N2 per unit of nodule P by pink serradela as monocrop was about 80% greater than the sole subclover, demonstrating its higher efficiency on the use of nodule P. Thus, pink serradela needs a lower P rate to produce the same amount of biomass per unit area as sole subclover. Long-term studies in field conditions, using these and other new pasture legume species are needed to consolidate the present findings.