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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #93223
Title: ACCUMULATION OF NITROGEN BY LEGUME COVER CROPS INTERSEEDED IN MAIZE

Author
item HANSON, JOLEEN - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item Olness, Alan
item LOPEZ, DIAN - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Submitted to: Minnesota Academy of Science Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/2/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient in the production of crops. While legumes symbiotically fix N, this fixation is variable due to fluctuations in sunlight and the amount of inorganic N in the soil. Research was initiated to determine the amount of N accumulation by legumes interseeded in maize (Zea mays L.). Four replicates were established at four field sites with a total of 120 plots. Each plot contained eight rows, a row spacing of 0.75 m, and a length of 15 m. Four legumes were tested: hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), nitro alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Nitro), and lupin (Lupinus albus L. cv Tifblu). At maize flowering, legume seeds were planted by hand and tilled into the soil to a depth of about 1 cm. Maize growth was removed above the ear at the R-4 growth stage in order to increase light received by legumes. Maize was harvested at maturity, and legume harvest followed about a month later. Yields of hairy vetch ranged from 1,424.0 kg/ha to 4,693.0 kg/ha with a mean of 2,580.3 kg/ha fresh weight. Yields of nitro alfalfa ranged from 900.0 kg/ha to 3,171.0 kg/ha with a mean of 1,789.3 kg/ha fresh weight. Lupin and white clover germinated and died. Nitrogen uptake by hairy vetch averaged 21.2 +/- 13.4 kg N/ha while nitro alfalfa averaged 18.1+/- 10.1 kg N/ha. Interseeded legumes can accumulate N and serve as a buffer to environmental losses.