Abstract
Adding mulch biomass prior to crop seeding may improve production of tropical soil. We evaluated the response of four bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes to the addition of mulch biomass from Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) Gray and Cajanus cajan L. Millsp. The addition of mulch did not result in significant differences (p < 0.05) in soil characteristics when compared to a control (no mulch addition) except for soil potassium (K), which was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the T. diversifolia mulch biomass treatment. Bean yield and shoot biomass were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the mulch biomass treatments compared to the control (no biomass added). In these treatments, Phosphorus (P)-efficient bean genotypes had a significantly greater (p < 0.05) yield and shoot biomass. Bean shoot nutrient concentrations were significantly different (p < 0.05) between mulch biomass treatments and between bean genotypes (P, K and magnesium (Mg) only). Phosphorus utilization and uptake efficiencies were significantly different (p < 0.05) between mulch biomass treatments and between bean genotypes. Bean root biomass was not significantly different (p < 0.05) between mulch biomass treatments, but was significantly different (p < 0.05) between bean genotypes. The number of root nodules was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the T. diversifolia mulch biomass treatment and was significantly different between bean genotypes.
Highlights
Phosphorus (P) is a limiting factor for plant production on steep slopes in the humid tropics, where many weathered volcanic ash soils (Andosols) are located [1]
Results from the present study showed that the addition of mulch biomass from non-leguminous (T. diversifolia) and leguminous (C. cajan) species in a cut-and-carry system did not lead to changes in soil chemistry, which was likely due to the short-term nature of this study
The addition of mulch biomass contributed to a greater bean yield, shoot biomass, nutrient concentration and number of root nodules compared to the control
Summary
Phosphorus (P) is a limiting factor for plant production on steep slopes in the humid tropics, where many weathered volcanic ash soils (Andosols) are located [1]. Many parts of the world have inadequate access to fertilizers, because sources of high-grade P for fertilizer processing are limited and/or fertilizers are not economically feasible for agricultural producers [3]. Management strategies, such as the development of P-efficient genotypes, may help improve crop production. Bean yields continue to be low in Central America, due to poor soil P availability [5]. Bean genotypes that can efficiently use soil P reserves have played a significant role in improving food security in this region [6]. The bean breeding program has focused on improving this crop’s root architecture for enhancing P uptake [8]
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