Abstract
Knowledge about seasonal and litter bag soil position effects on litter decomposition (k value), mineralization and nitrification rate of annual legumes in Puerto Rico is limited. This study determined dry matter yield (DMY), k value of litter bags placed below and above the soil surface, mineralization and nitrification rates of Lablab purpureus cv. “Rongai” and Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) seeded in the wet and dry season in Oxisol soils (Typic Eustrustox). There was an interaction (p < 0.05) for season and legumes on DMY, k value and N content. “Rongai” DMY was higher for the dry than wet season while Velvet bean had an opposite seasonal response. Higher k value occurred in the wet season for legumes, but “Rongai” had higher k than Velvet bean. For both legumes, N content was higher on litter bag placed below-ground in both seasons. However, in the wet season, there was less N in the above ground litter position. Higher inorganic N was observed at 90 days of soil incubation (DOI) suggesting that N was not available prior to 42 DOI. Nitrification rate was higher for “Rongai” at 22 DOI and lower at 42 and 90 DOI for both legumes. Both legumes enhanced inorganic N, but, regardless of season, Rongai supplied nutrients to the soil faster than Velvet bean. “Rongai” because of its higher k value than Velvet bean is recommended for fast growing row or vegetable crops in Puerto Rico.
Highlights
In Puerto Rico, annual leguminous cover crops such as lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) cv.“Rongai” and Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) are used as fallow crops to provide soil cover, smother weeds and increase soil organic matter prior to a main crop planting maize (Zea mays L.).Leguminous cover crops have been demonstrated to increase soil organic matter [1], soil aggregate stability, reduce erosion [2], increase plant diversity, and pest control
Where: LR = Remaining weight at certain time, Lf = Initial weight at zero time, t = Sampling time interval (LR express in weeks), k = Decomposition constant, e = Base of natural logarithm. Both “Rongai” and Velvet bean were established on 2nd February 2010 in a RCBD
There was an interaction (p = 0.009) for planting season and legumes for yield, indicating that legumes were affected by season
Summary
In Puerto Rico, annual leguminous cover crops such as lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) cv. Leguminous cover crops have been demonstrated to increase soil organic matter [1], soil aggregate stability, reduce erosion [2], increase plant diversity, and pest control Depending on the quantity and quality of leguminous mineralization [11].NThe microbiological process canincrease limit nitrification rates ammonium residues and soiloccur pH, total in the top layer of the soil may [10] and soil. Other factors (i.e., temperature, aeration, soil humidity) of this were to: (i) assess matter yield leaves and petiole andto: can alsoresearch limit N mineralization and dry nitrification in the(DMY), soil [13]. Through the dry and wet season and (ii) determine (i) assess dry matter yield (DMY), leaves and petiole decomposition and N content of Velvet bean and mineralization and rates of Velvet bean and “Rongai”. Through thenitrification dry and wet season and (ii) determine mineralization and nitrification rates of Velvet bean and “Rongai” on an Oxisol
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