The amounts and dynamics of nitrogen transfer to grasses differ in alfalfa and white clover-based grass-legume mixtures as a result of rooting strategies and rhizodeposit quality - Archive ouverte HAL Accéder directement au contenu
Article Dans Une Revue Plant and Soil Année : 2015

The amounts and dynamics of nitrogen transfer to grasses differ in alfalfa and white clover-based grass-legume mixtures as a result of rooting strategies and rhizodeposit quality

Résumé

Differences in the ability to fix and transfer N have been shown between perennial legume species. However, the traits responsible for such variations are largely to be identified. This study aimed at comparing the dynamics of N transfer from alfalfa and white clover and test whether their differences resulted from difference in fixation, legume proportion, population dynamics or tissue composition. [br/] A three-year field experiment and a greenhouse experiment were carried out. Nitrogen fixation and transfer were assessed trough (15) N dilution and difference methods.[br/] Both experiments confirmed significant differences between legumes regarding N transfer capacity. Although alfalfa cumulated twice as much biomass and fixed nitrogen, it transferred smaller amounts of N (59 versus 147 kg N.ha(-1) over three years in the field) under a delayed dynamic. The amounts of nitrogen transferred were related to recent decreases in legume population density. Moreover, root tissue composition differed; white clover had a higher proportion of fine roots with a lower C/N and lignin content. This resulted in more rapid N release from the severed roots of clover.[br/] The traits controlling plant persistency, root material turnover and residue quality may better explain N transfer dynamics than overall legume production and fixation.
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Dates et versions

hal-01181299 , version 1 (29-07-2015)

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Gaëtan Louarn, Edina Pereira Lopes, Joëlle Fustec, Bruno Mary, Anne-Sophie Voisin, et al.. The amounts and dynamics of nitrogen transfer to grasses differ in alfalfa and white clover-based grass-legume mixtures as a result of rooting strategies and rhizodeposit quality. Plant and Soil, 2015, 389 (1-2), pp.289-305. ⟨10.1007/s11104-014-2354-8⟩. ⟨hal-01181299⟩
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