Abstract
Soils in Central and Northern Bhutan have low inherent fertility. Green manure crops have been recommended as sources of organic matter and nitrogen. Various experiments were carried out in Phubjikha at an elevation of 3000 m evaluating the potential of pearl lupine (Lupinus mutabilis). Biomass accumulation was 15.6 g nr2 day-' during peak growth. N and P concentration varied little and their accumulation increased almost linearly with biomass increase. At the end of the cropping season the biomass contained 279 kg N and 36 kg P ha-'. In crop rotation experiments potato yields were increased by 33 to 34% if the previous crop were pearl lupine instead of fallow or potato. Pearl lupine is a promising green manure crop for cool climates. Since it is not palatable to livestock, its promotion in Bhutan however, is not recommended.
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