Abstract
The growth of tree legumes in degraded areas must be preceded by assessments of nodulation ability of naturally established rhizobia populations since such information contributes to defining the species which can be planted for recovering disturbed areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and natural nodulation of “sabia” (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) and leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit.) in soils of the Brazilian semiarid area under different systems of land use: native vegetation (locally called caatinga) and areas with different agricultural systems (a monocrop system and an intercropping with various species). For each species, a greenhouse experiment in randomized block design was realized, using soils of different types (Luvisol and Ultisol), with 4 replicates. The results evidentiate significant differences in the evaluated growth characteristics (height, leaflet number and shoot diameter) of M. caesalpiniifolia, that have displayed lower plant growth when cultivated in the Luvisol under conventional system. Plant growth, nodulation and total N accumulation in both seedling tree legumes increased in Ultisol under the different systems of land use. L. leucocephala showed higher potential of biological nitrogen fixation and nodulation effectiveness promoted by indigenous rhizobia. Key words: Biological nitrogen fixation, indigenous rhizobia, symbiosis, sustainable agriculture.
Highlights
In tropical regions, the predominant agricultural production systems are based on the conversion of native forests to croplands, with cutting and burning of native vegetation, exploration and subsequent abandonment, before again clearing and burning cycle
The growth of tree legumes in degraded areas must be preceded by assessments of nodulation ability of naturally established rhizobia populations since such information contributes to defining the species which can be planted for recovering disturbed areas
Nodulation and total N accumulation in both seedling tree legumes increased in Ultisol under the different systems of land use
Summary
The predominant agricultural production systems are based on the conversion of native forests to croplands, with cutting and burning of native vegetation, exploration and subsequent abandonment (fallow), before again clearing and burning cycle. The introduction of leguminous trees is considered one of the main practices that can be employed to recover degraded areas (Pereira and Rodrigues, 2012) The cultivation of these species promotes protection against soil erosion (Garba and Dalhatu, 2015) and improves the soil fertility by the addition of organic matter (Wu et al, 2016). The use of tree legumes must be preceded by assessments of growth and nodulation ability of such species in association with the native rhizobial populations. This information will contribute to the definition of which species can be planted for the recovery of degraded areas
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