Estimated symbiotic N2 fixation by annual legume and lucerne pastures on 2 Vertosols with and without applied gypsum
Year: 2010
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The amount of symbiotic dinitrogen (N2) fixed by an annual legume pasture (subterranean clover + balansa clover) and a lucerne-annual legume pasture growing on vertosol soils was estimated at two sites (Grogan and Morangarell) over 3 years in southern NSW following treatment with 3 rates of gypsum. Based on shoot growth only, the annual legume pasture was estimated to fix between 91 and 146 kg N2/ha/yr at Grogan and 86-214 kgN2/ha/yr at the less sodic Morangarell site. When roots were also included these values increased to 156-254 kg N2/ha at Grogan and 148-370 kg N2/ha/yr at Morangarell. Estimates of N2 fixed by the lucerne-annual legume mixed sward at Grogan were similar to the annual legume sward, but at Morangarell estimates of N2 fixed by lucerne were both higher and lower depending on seasonal conditions. Gypsum increased estimated total N2 fixed by the annual and lucerne pastures by up to 16% and 37% respectively at Grogan, but had no effect at Morangarell.
Authors: B. S. Dear, Mark B. Peoples, Richard C. Hayes, A. D. Swan, S. T. Morris
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2736748633