Abstract
Given the limited resources of fossil energy, and the environmental risks of excess fertilizer on crops, it is time to reappraise the potential role of food legume biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) as sources of nitrogen for cropping systems in China. 150 soil samples across 17 provinces and 2 municipalities of China were collected and analyzed. A distribution map of the soil fertilities and their patterns of distribution was constructed. The pH results indicated that soils were neutral to slightly alkaline overall. The soil organic matter (SOM) and the available nitrogen (AN) content were relatively low, while the available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) contents were from moderate to high. Production areas of food legumes (faba bean, pea, adzuki bean, mung bean and common bean) were clearly separated into 4 soil fertility type clusters. In addition, regions with SOM, AN, AP and AK deficiency, high acidity and high alkalinity were listed as target areas for further soil improvement. The potential was considered for biological nitrogen fixation to substitute for the application of mineral nitrogen fertiliser.
Highlights
Given the limited resources of fossil energy, and the environmental risks of excess fertilizer on crops, it is time to reappraise the potential role of food legume biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) as sources of nitrogen for cropping systems in China. 150 soil samples across 17 provinces and 2 municipalities of China were collected and analyzed
The minimum coefficient of variation (CV) was 12% for pH in surface soil, the maximum CV was 107% for soil available phosphorus (AP) content which was far more than other elements
The CVs of soil pH and available nutrients were in order of AP >soil organic matter (SOM) >available nitrogen (AN) >AK >soil pH
Summary
Given the limited resources of fossil energy, and the environmental risks of excess fertilizer on crops, it is time to reappraise the potential role of food legume biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) as sources of nitrogen for cropping systems in China. 150 soil samples across 17 provinces and 2 municipalities of China were collected and analyzed. The major food legumes in China, consisting of faba bean (Vicia faba L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), adzuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd) Ohwi&Ohashi) and mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), provide food as dry and fresh grain, fresh pods, as well as fresh and tender stems and leaves These legumes can play a vital role in biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and improving soil physical conditions in crop rotation systems. For nitrogen fixation in faba bean, a range of fertilizer applications of 15–50 kg/ha of P2O5, and 0.3–0.8 mmlKL−1(or mMK) for potassium was recommended[7] Legumes differ in their growth requirements for P from 0.8–3.0 mM8, and vary in P partitioning between shoot, root and nodules for P use efficiency effects upon BNF6. This work provided the basis for complementary nutrient recommendations in these www.nature.com/scientificreports/
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
