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Crammer K Kaizzi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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differential use and benefits of Velvet Bean mucuna pruriens var utilis and n fertilizers in maize production in contrasting agro ecological zones of e uganda
Agricultural Systems, 2006Co-Authors: Crammer K Kaizzi, Henry Ssali, Paul L G VlekAbstract:Abstract Research was conducted in eastern Uganda on a transect from Mt. Elgon (high altitude) to the low-altitude zones. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Velvet Bean ( Mucuna pruriens var. utilis ) and inorganic N fertilizer in improving maize production in contrasting agro-ecological zones over two seasons. The high and medium altitude zones are high-potential agricultural areas, with much more reliable rainfall and the opposite is true for the low-altitude zone. Each zone comprised soils of contrasting productivity levels. During 22 weeks, Mucuna produced 2.6–7.9 t ha −1 of dry matter, accumulating 80–200 kg N ha −1 , and derived approximately 34–108 kg N ha −1 from the atmosphere. In the subsequent season, a maize crop was used to evaluate the effects of the green manure-N as compared to 40 and 80 kg N ha −1 . The mean maize yield of the farmers’ practice was used to distinguish between high- and low-productive fields at each location. There was a significant increase in maize yield in response to the added N, both from urea or M. pruriens var. utilis ’. The average increase above that of the farmers’ practice was 1.0 t ha −1 for the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones, However, the above average fields responded to added N by a mere 0.4 t ha −1 in the low-productivity areas. In the high-productivity areas as much as 2.2 t ha −1 were gained. The aggregated maize yield increase over two seasons indicated an increment of 2.7 t ha −1 with the application of inorganic fertilizers, and of 1.9 t ha −1 with a preceding mucuna-maize relay on high productivity fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones, compared to 1.3 t ha −1 obtained with either strategy on the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones. Economic benefits are obtained with any N supply strategy on highly productive fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones. The N supply strategies are as profitable as the farmers practice on the more productive fields in low-potential agro-ecological zones. However, farmers on low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones are currently operating in an economically downward spiral. Only the alternate use of a mucuna-maize relay provides them a way out of this predicament. Given the current prices for maize and urea, the adoption of fertilizer-N in any but the most favorable environment cannot be expected.
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the potential of Velvet Bean mucuna pruriens and n fertilizers in maize production on contrasting soils and agro ecological zones of east uganda
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 2004Co-Authors: Crammer K Kaizzi, Henry Ssali, Paul L G VlekAbstract:Research was conducted at two sites located in medium and low altitude zones in eastern Uganda. The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefit of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) and inorganic N fertilizer in improving maize production in contrasting agro-ecological zones over two seasons. The medium altitude zone (Bulegeni) is a high-potential agricultural zone, with much more reliable rainfall and soils with high-productivity rating. The opposite is true for the low-altitude zone (Kibale). The soils were fertile for the site in the high-potential zone and poor in the low-potential zone. Over 22 weeks of fallow or relay with maize, Mucuna produced on average 8.2 t ha−1 dry matter, accumulating 170 kg N ha−1, with 57% of the N derived from the atmosphere in the low-potential zone, compared to 11.6 t ha−1 dry matter, 350 kg N ha−1, with 43% of the N derived from air, in the high-potential zone. Between 77 and 97% of the Mucuna-accumulated N was released over a period of 25 weeks, at a rate of 0.081 and 0.118 week−1 in the high- and low-potential zones, respectively. The N-balance study shows that 93% of the applied N was accounted for in the high-potential zone, compared to 61% in the low-potential zone, due to differences in soil texture, soil fertility and maize biomass production at the two sites. As much as 44–73% of the N remained in the soil in the high-potential zone, compared to 39–53% in the low-potential zone, which might benefit the subsequent crops. There was a significant increase in maize yield in response to the added N, both from urea or Mucuna. The average increment above the control (continuous maize) was 3.2 t ha−1 in the high-potential zone and 1.0 t ha−1 in the low-potential zone. The maize yield increase over two seasons added up to 3.1 t ha−1 with the application of inorganic fertilizers, and 1.9 t ha−1 with a preceding Mucuna–maize relay in the high-potential zone, compared to an average of, 1.7 t ha−1 with application of inorganic fertilizers and with Mucuna–maize relay in the low-potential zone. Application of P fertilizers with either N supply strategy significantly increased maize yield in the low-potential zone only, resulting in an additional 0.8 t ha−1 for the inorganic N fertilizers and 1.3 t ha−1 for a preceding Mucuna–maize relay. Apparently, P fertilizers are needed on poor soils. Clearly farmers stand to gain in terms of maize production from fertilizers as well as from the use of Mucuna, with more benefits from inorganic fertilizers in the high-potential zone.
Paul L G Vlek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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differential use and benefits of Velvet Bean mucuna pruriens var utilis and n fertilizers in maize production in contrasting agro ecological zones of e uganda
Agricultural Systems, 2006Co-Authors: Crammer K Kaizzi, Henry Ssali, Paul L G VlekAbstract:Abstract Research was conducted in eastern Uganda on a transect from Mt. Elgon (high altitude) to the low-altitude zones. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Velvet Bean ( Mucuna pruriens var. utilis ) and inorganic N fertilizer in improving maize production in contrasting agro-ecological zones over two seasons. The high and medium altitude zones are high-potential agricultural areas, with much more reliable rainfall and the opposite is true for the low-altitude zone. Each zone comprised soils of contrasting productivity levels. During 22 weeks, Mucuna produced 2.6–7.9 t ha −1 of dry matter, accumulating 80–200 kg N ha −1 , and derived approximately 34–108 kg N ha −1 from the atmosphere. In the subsequent season, a maize crop was used to evaluate the effects of the green manure-N as compared to 40 and 80 kg N ha −1 . The mean maize yield of the farmers’ practice was used to distinguish between high- and low-productive fields at each location. There was a significant increase in maize yield in response to the added N, both from urea or M. pruriens var. utilis ’. The average increase above that of the farmers’ practice was 1.0 t ha −1 for the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones, However, the above average fields responded to added N by a mere 0.4 t ha −1 in the low-productivity areas. In the high-productivity areas as much as 2.2 t ha −1 were gained. The aggregated maize yield increase over two seasons indicated an increment of 2.7 t ha −1 with the application of inorganic fertilizers, and of 1.9 t ha −1 with a preceding mucuna-maize relay on high productivity fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones, compared to 1.3 t ha −1 obtained with either strategy on the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones. Economic benefits are obtained with any N supply strategy on highly productive fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones. The N supply strategies are as profitable as the farmers practice on the more productive fields in low-potential agro-ecological zones. However, farmers on low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones are currently operating in an economically downward spiral. Only the alternate use of a mucuna-maize relay provides them a way out of this predicament. Given the current prices for maize and urea, the adoption of fertilizer-N in any but the most favorable environment cannot be expected.
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the potential of Velvet Bean mucuna pruriens and n fertilizers in maize production on contrasting soils and agro ecological zones of east uganda
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 2004Co-Authors: Crammer K Kaizzi, Henry Ssali, Paul L G VlekAbstract:Research was conducted at two sites located in medium and low altitude zones in eastern Uganda. The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefit of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) and inorganic N fertilizer in improving maize production in contrasting agro-ecological zones over two seasons. The medium altitude zone (Bulegeni) is a high-potential agricultural zone, with much more reliable rainfall and soils with high-productivity rating. The opposite is true for the low-altitude zone (Kibale). The soils were fertile for the site in the high-potential zone and poor in the low-potential zone. Over 22 weeks of fallow or relay with maize, Mucuna produced on average 8.2 t ha−1 dry matter, accumulating 170 kg N ha−1, with 57% of the N derived from the atmosphere in the low-potential zone, compared to 11.6 t ha−1 dry matter, 350 kg N ha−1, with 43% of the N derived from air, in the high-potential zone. Between 77 and 97% of the Mucuna-accumulated N was released over a period of 25 weeks, at a rate of 0.081 and 0.118 week−1 in the high- and low-potential zones, respectively. The N-balance study shows that 93% of the applied N was accounted for in the high-potential zone, compared to 61% in the low-potential zone, due to differences in soil texture, soil fertility and maize biomass production at the two sites. As much as 44–73% of the N remained in the soil in the high-potential zone, compared to 39–53% in the low-potential zone, which might benefit the subsequent crops. There was a significant increase in maize yield in response to the added N, both from urea or Mucuna. The average increment above the control (continuous maize) was 3.2 t ha−1 in the high-potential zone and 1.0 t ha−1 in the low-potential zone. The maize yield increase over two seasons added up to 3.1 t ha−1 with the application of inorganic fertilizers, and 1.9 t ha−1 with a preceding Mucuna–maize relay in the high-potential zone, compared to an average of, 1.7 t ha−1 with application of inorganic fertilizers and with Mucuna–maize relay in the low-potential zone. Application of P fertilizers with either N supply strategy significantly increased maize yield in the low-potential zone only, resulting in an additional 0.8 t ha−1 for the inorganic N fertilizers and 1.3 t ha−1 for a preceding Mucuna–maize relay. Apparently, P fertilizers are needed on poor soils. Clearly farmers stand to gain in terms of maize production from fertilizers as well as from the use of Mucuna, with more benefits from inorganic fertilizers in the high-potential zone.
Ambrosano, Edmilson José - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Dynamics of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima) green manure nitrogen in two soils grown with maize
'Universidade de Sao Paulo Agencia USP de Gestao da Informacao Academica (AGUIA)', 2021Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson JoséAbstract:Estudou-se a dinâmica do nitrogênio de leguminosas (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea) , marcadas com 15N, incorporadas em dois solos, latosso roxo ( LR) e podzólico vermelho amarelo (PV), cultivados com milho. O trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em vasos com 6 kg de terra fina seca ao ar. Foi incorporado, aos solos, o equivalente a 15,5 t/ha de material seco, sendo 13 t/ha de parte aérea e 2,7 e 2,2 t/ha de raízes das leguminosas, mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea, respectivamente. Os tratamentos com parte aérea das leguminosas marcadas com 15N, receberam as raízes não marcadas, e para os tratamentos com raízes marcadas com o isótopo a parte aérea incorporada não continha o isótopo (abundância natural). Foi adotado um delineamento experimental inteiramente adotado casualizado um e os tratamentos foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial com os seguintes fatores: duas leguminosas adubo verde; dois solos; duas partes da leguminosa marcada com 15N ( parte aérea e raízes) ; cinco tempos de amostragem e três repetições. O experimento contou, também, com um tratamento adicional, sem adubação verde, contendo os dois solos, cinco tempos de amostragem e três repetições, totalizando 150 parcelas. Após incubação de 36 dias semeou-se milho e determinou-se, em 5 estádios de seu desenvolvimento (20, 30, 40, 60 e 100 dias após emergência), o nitrogênio total e mineral do solo, bem como o derivado das leguminosas. Determinou-se, também, o nitrogênio acumulado na planta e o derivado das leguminosas adubo verde, e as perdas ocorridas no sistema solo-planta. Pelos resultados obtidos verificou-se que a mucuna-preta participou em maior proporção do nitrogênio do solo e da planta, sendo a parte aérea responsável pela maior quantidade de N presente. o material vegetal das leguminosas adicionado foi mineralizado mais intensamente, preservando o nitrogênio presente no material orgânico original dos solos. A mineralização das leguminosas foi maior no solo PV e as maiores perdas de nitrogênio foram verificadas para a mucuna-preta no PV.Labelled nitrogen (15N) released from sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and from Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima) was used to study soil nitrogen dynamics in a Dusky Red Latosol and a Red Yellow Podzol in a greenhouse experiment with pots containing 6 kg of air dried soil. Dry matter equivalent to 13 t/ha of above ground parts of both leguminous species associated with 2.7 and 2.2 t/ha of roots of sunnhemp and Velvet Bean, respectively, were incorporated into the soil. The treatment with the leguminous aerial part labelled with 15N received no labelled roots, and the one with labelled roots had no labelled aerial part. The experiment was a completely randomized design with treatments distributed in a factorial squeme with three replications. Treatments consisted of two soil types, two green manures (leguminous species), two labelled plant parts (roots and shoots) and five sampling periods (an additional treatment was included with no green manure), totalizing 150 pots. After an incubation period of 36 days corn was seeded, and at 20, 30, 40, 60, and 100 days after emergency, total and mineral nitrogen were determined in the soil, as well as that one derived from the legume plants, also, it was determined the total nitrogen accumulated in the corn plant, and the one derived from the legume plants. The N losses in the soil-plant system were also determined. Results showed that nitrogen from Velvet Bean participated in greater proportion in soil and corn plant nitrogen; the shoots were responsible for most of this accumulation. Added dry matter of leguminous species was intensively and promptly mineralized preserving the soil born nitrogen. Mineralization of the legume plant N was greater in the podzolic soil than in the latosol and nitrogen losses were more intense for Velvet Bean in the podzolic
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Fornecimento de nitrogênio ao milho pelos adubos verdes crotalária júncea e mucuna preta
'FapUNIFESP (SciELO)', 2016Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka Takashi, Schammass, Eliana Aparecida, Guirado Nivaldo, Rossi FabrícioAbstract:Due to their nitrogen fixation potential, legumes represent an alternative for supplying nutrients, substituting or complementing mineral fertilization in cropping systems involving green manuring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the N balance in a soil-plant system involving green manures [sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima Piper & Tracy)], both labeled with 15N. They were incorporated into two soils of contrasting textural classes: a clayey Eutrudox and a sandy-clayey Paleudalf, both cultivated with corn. The research was carried out in a greenhouse, using pots containing 6 kg of air dried soil, to which the equivalent to 13 Mg ha-1 dry matter of above-ground mass plus 2.7 or 2.2 Mg ha-1 of Velvet Bean and sunn hemp roots were incorporated, respectively, with 15N labeling of either shoots or roots. One hundred days after emergence of the corn, the Velvet Bean residues provided higher accumulation of N in the soil, higher absorption by corn plants and accumulation in the shoot. The green manure decomposition was more intense in the medium-textured Paleudalf. The highest nitrogen losses were also observed in this soil.Em função de seu potencial de fixação de nitrogênio, as leguminosas representam uma alternativa ao suprimento, substituição ou complementação da adubação mineral em sistemas de cultivos envolvendo adubação verde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o balanço do N no sistema solo planta com adubos verdes crotalária júncea (Crotalaria juncea L.) e mucuna-preta (Mucuna aterrima Piper & Tracy), marcadas com 15N, incorporadas em dois solos de diferentes classes texturais: Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico textura argilosa, A moderado (LVef) e Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico textura arenosa/média, A moderado (PVAd), e cultivados com milho. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa-de-vegetação, em vasos contendo 6 kg de terra aos quais foi incorporado o equivalente a 13 Mg ha-1 de massa seca da parte aérea e 2,7 ou 2,2 Mg ha-1 de raízes de mucuna-preta e de crotalária júncea, respectivamente. A marcação com 15N foi efetuada ou nas raízes ou na parte aérea. Cem dias após emergência do milho, a incorporação de mucuna-preta aos solos proporcionou maior acúmulo de nitrogênio no solo, maior absorção do elemento pelas plantas de milho e sua acumulação na parte aérea. A decomposição da parte aérea e raízes dos adubos verdes foi mais intensa no solo de textura média (PVAd). Neste solo, também, foram observadas as maiores perdas de nitrogênio.66338639
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Mineralização do nitrogênio em solos com incorporação de crotalaria juncea, mucuna-preta e restos culturais de feijoeiro
São Paulo - Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", 2015Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka TakashiAbstract:Nitrogen (15N) released from sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima) and from Phaseolus Bean residues was evaluated after incubation of the plant material in an Eutrudox and a Paleudalf, in a greenhouse experiment with pots containing 6 kg of air dried soil. Dry matter equivalent to 13 Mg ha-1 of Phaseolus Bean residues and the same amount of above ground parts of the leguminous species, associated to 2.7 and 2.2 Mg ha-1 of roots of sunnhemp and Velvet Bean respectively, were incorporated into the soil. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, with treatments arranged in a 2 ´ 3 + 1 factorial, replicated three times. The treatments were the following: two soils (Eutrudox and Paleudalf) and three plant materials: two green-manures (sunnhemp or Velvet Bean), and Phaseolus Bean residues, besides one control without plant incorporation into the soil. For the green-manure treatments there were two sub-treatments for each legume species, with 15N labeling of either shoots or roots. Soil moisture was maintained relatively constant during the experiment al period and the treatments were sampled weekly during 49 days. Total mineral nitrogen in the soil, as well as that derived from the legume plants were determined by isotope dilution. Nitrogen from the Velvet Bean accounted for a greater proportion of the soil inorganic N; shoots were responsible for most of N accumulated. Dry Bean residues caused immobilization of inorganic N. The leguminous species added were intensively and promptly mineralized preserving the soil native nitrogen. Mineralization of the legume plant N was greater in the Paleudalf soil than in the Eutrudox.Estudou-se a mineralização do nitrogênio derivado das leguminosas adubo verde (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea) e de restos culturais de feijoeiro, marcados com 15N, incorporados em dois solos, Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico textura argilosa, A moderado (LVef) e Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico textura arenosa/média, A moderado (PVad). O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, em vasos com 6 kg de terra fina seca ao ar. Incorporou-se aos solos o equivalente a 13 Mg ha-1 de material seco de palha de feijão e mesma quantidade da parte aérea das leguminosas associadas a 2,7 e 2,2 Mg ha-1 de raízes de mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea respectivamente. Adotou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições e os tratamentos originaram-se de um fatorial 2´ 3 + 1 e foram os seguintes: dois solos (LV ef e PV ad) e incorporação de três tipos de leguminosas, sendo dois adubos verdes (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea), e resíduo cultural de feijoeiro, além de uma testemunha sem adição de material vegetal. Os tratamentos com adubos verdes foram divididos em subtratamentos com marcação isotópica independentes da parte aérea e raízes. Os solos foram incubados por 49 dias fazendo-se sete amostragens em intervalos de sete dias. A palha de feijão causou imobilização do N-mineral no solo. A mucuna-preta contribuiu em maior proporção do nitrogênio mineral do solo, principalmente a parte aérea. O N do material vegetal das leguminosas foi mineralizado mais intensamente, preservando o nitrogênio presente no material orgânico original dos solos. A mineralização das leguminosas foi maior no solo Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo
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Mineralização do nitrogênio em solos com incorporação de crotalaria juncea, mucuna-preta e restos culturais de feijoeiro
'FapUNIFESP (SciELO)', 2015Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka TakashiAbstract:Nitrogen (15N) released from sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima) and from Phaseolus Bean residues was evaluated after incubation of the plant material in an Eutrudox and a Paleudalf, in a greenhouse experiment with pots containing 6 kg of air dried soil. Dry matter equivalent to 13 Mg ha-1 of Phaseolus Bean residues and the same amount of above ground parts of the leguminous species, associated to 2.7 and 2.2 Mg ha-1 of roots of sunnhemp and Velvet Bean respectively, were incorporated into the soil. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, with treatments arranged in a 2 ´ 3 + 1 factorial, replicated three times. The treatments were the following: two soils (Eutrudox and Paleudalf) and three plant materials: two green-manures (sunnhemp or Velvet Bean), and Phaseolus Bean residues, besides one control without plant incorporation into the soil. For the green-manure treatments there were two sub-treatments for each legume species, with 15N labeling of either shoots or roots. Soil moisture was maintained relatively constant during the experiment al period and the treatments were sampled weekly during 49 days. Total mineral nitrogen in the soil, as well as that derived from the legume plants were determined by isotope dilution. Nitrogen from the Velvet Bean accounted for a greater proportion of the soil inorganic N; shoots were responsible for most of N accumulated. Dry Bean residues caused immobilization of inorganic N. The leguminous species added were intensively and promptly mineralized preserving the soil native nitrogen. Mineralization of the legume plant N was greater in the Paleudalf soil than in the Eutrudox.Estudou-se a mineralização do nitrogênio derivado das leguminosas adubo verde (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea) e de restos culturais de feijoeiro, marcados com 15N, incorporados em dois solos, Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico textura argilosa, A moderado (LVef) e Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico textura arenosa/média, A moderado (PVad). O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, em vasos com 6 kg de terra fina seca ao ar. Incorporou-se aos solos o equivalente a 13 Mg ha-1 de material seco de palha de feijão e mesma quantidade da parte aérea das leguminosas associadas a 2,7 e 2,2 Mg ha-1 de raízes de mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea respectivamente. Adotou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições e os tratamentos originaram-se de um fatorial 2´ 3 + 1 e foram os seguintes: dois solos (LV ef e PV ad) e incorporação de três tipos de leguminosas, sendo dois adubos verdes (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea), e resíduo cultural de feijoeiro, além de uma testemunha sem adição de material vegetal. Os tratamentos com adubos verdes foram divididos em subtratamentos com marcação isotópica independentes da parte aérea e raízes. Os solos foram incubados por 49 dias fazendo-se sete amostragens em intervalos de sete dias. A palha de feijão causou imobilização do N-mineral no solo. A mucuna-preta contribuiu em maior proporção do nitrogênio mineral do solo, principalmente a parte aérea. O N do material vegetal das leguminosas foi mineralizado mais intensamente, preservando o nitrogênio presente no material orgânico original dos solos. A mineralização das leguminosas foi maior no solo Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo.133137Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP
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Productivity of sugarcane after previous legumes crop
'FapUNIFESP (SciELO)', 2015Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka Takashi, Rossi Fabrício, Schammas, Eliana Aparecida, Dias, Fábio Luis Ferreira, Sachs, Raquel Castellucci Caruso, Azcón RozarioAbstract:The research aimed to evaluate and characterize the biomass of leguminous residues, the natural arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus occurrence and the effect of leguminous on the nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) in sugarcane crop. The experiment was carried out in Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil. The soil was classified as Paleudalf and the sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) cultivar was IAC87-3396. The effects of previous cultivation of legumes were evaluated for five consecutive harvests. The treatments consisted of previous cultivation of legumes: peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars IAC-Tatu and IAC-Caiapó, sunn hemp IAC 1 (Crotalaria juncea L.) and Velvet-Bean [Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland], and a control treatment. We adopted the randomized block design with five replications. The legume most productive was sunn hemp IAC 1 with 10.264 kg ha-1, followed by Velvet-Bean with 4.391 kg ha-1 and peanuts IAC-Caiapó and IAC-Tatu with 3.177 kg ha-1 and 1.965 kg ha-1, respectively. The peanut IAC-Caiapó and Velvet Bean were the leguminous crops that resulted in the greater percentage of AM fungus. The lowest population of Pratylenchus spp. was found in the treatments with peanut IAC-Tatu and IAC-Caiapó. After five harvests, sunn hemp was the leguminous crop that induced the greatest sugarcane yield, with 30% increase in cane yield and 35% in sugar yield.Estudou-se o efeito do cultivo prévio de leguminosas sobre a produtividade e lucratividade da cana-de-açúcar. Foram determinados a produtividade de biomassa, o acúmulo de nutrientes das leguminosas, a ocorrência natural de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares, bem como o efeito das leguminosas sobre a população de nematoides do gênero Pratylenchus à cana-de-açúcar. O experimento foi desenvolvido em Piracicaba (SP), Brasil, em solo classificado como Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico, utilizando-se a cultivar de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) IAC87-3396. As avaliações dos efeitos do cultivo prévio das leguminosas foram realizadas durante cinco cortes consecutivos. Os tratamentos consistiram do cultivo prévio das leguminosas: Amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L) - cultivares IAC-Tatu e IAC-Caiapó, crotalária júncea IAC 1 (Crotalaria juncea L) e mucuna preta [Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland], e um tratamento-testemunha. Adotou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições. A leguminosa mais produtiva de biomassa seca (parte aérea+raízes) foi a crotalária júncea IAC 1 (10.264 kg ha-1), seguida da mucuna preta (4.391 kg ha-1) e dos amendoins, IAC-Caiapó (3.177 kg ha-1) e IAC-Tatu (1.965 kg ha-1). O amendoim IAC-Caiapó e a mucuna preta foram as espécies mais infectadas por fungos micorrízicos. O amendoim, independente da cultivar, foi a leguminosa que mais reduziu a infestação de Pratylenchus spp. na cana-de-açúcar. Após cinco cortes da cana-de-açúcar o melhor desempenho foi notado no tratamento com cultivo prévio de crotalária júncea IAC 1, o qual promoveu incrementos de 30% e 35% na produtividade de colmos e de açúcar respectivamente e o melhor desempenho econômico.810818Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq
Muraoka Takashi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Fornecimento de nitrogênio ao milho pelos adubos verdes crotalária júncea e mucuna preta
'FapUNIFESP (SciELO)', 2016Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka Takashi, Schammass, Eliana Aparecida, Guirado Nivaldo, Rossi FabrícioAbstract:Due to their nitrogen fixation potential, legumes represent an alternative for supplying nutrients, substituting or complementing mineral fertilization in cropping systems involving green manuring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the N balance in a soil-plant system involving green manures [sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima Piper & Tracy)], both labeled with 15N. They were incorporated into two soils of contrasting textural classes: a clayey Eutrudox and a sandy-clayey Paleudalf, both cultivated with corn. The research was carried out in a greenhouse, using pots containing 6 kg of air dried soil, to which the equivalent to 13 Mg ha-1 dry matter of above-ground mass plus 2.7 or 2.2 Mg ha-1 of Velvet Bean and sunn hemp roots were incorporated, respectively, with 15N labeling of either shoots or roots. One hundred days after emergence of the corn, the Velvet Bean residues provided higher accumulation of N in the soil, higher absorption by corn plants and accumulation in the shoot. The green manure decomposition was more intense in the medium-textured Paleudalf. The highest nitrogen losses were also observed in this soil.Em função de seu potencial de fixação de nitrogênio, as leguminosas representam uma alternativa ao suprimento, substituição ou complementação da adubação mineral em sistemas de cultivos envolvendo adubação verde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o balanço do N no sistema solo planta com adubos verdes crotalária júncea (Crotalaria juncea L.) e mucuna-preta (Mucuna aterrima Piper & Tracy), marcadas com 15N, incorporadas em dois solos de diferentes classes texturais: Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico textura argilosa, A moderado (LVef) e Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico textura arenosa/média, A moderado (PVAd), e cultivados com milho. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa-de-vegetação, em vasos contendo 6 kg de terra aos quais foi incorporado o equivalente a 13 Mg ha-1 de massa seca da parte aérea e 2,7 ou 2,2 Mg ha-1 de raízes de mucuna-preta e de crotalária júncea, respectivamente. A marcação com 15N foi efetuada ou nas raízes ou na parte aérea. Cem dias após emergência do milho, a incorporação de mucuna-preta aos solos proporcionou maior acúmulo de nitrogênio no solo, maior absorção do elemento pelas plantas de milho e sua acumulação na parte aérea. A decomposição da parte aérea e raízes dos adubos verdes foi mais intensa no solo de textura média (PVAd). Neste solo, também, foram observadas as maiores perdas de nitrogênio.66338639
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Mineralização do nitrogênio em solos com incorporação de crotalaria juncea, mucuna-preta e restos culturais de feijoeiro
São Paulo - Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", 2015Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka TakashiAbstract:Nitrogen (15N) released from sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima) and from Phaseolus Bean residues was evaluated after incubation of the plant material in an Eutrudox and a Paleudalf, in a greenhouse experiment with pots containing 6 kg of air dried soil. Dry matter equivalent to 13 Mg ha-1 of Phaseolus Bean residues and the same amount of above ground parts of the leguminous species, associated to 2.7 and 2.2 Mg ha-1 of roots of sunnhemp and Velvet Bean respectively, were incorporated into the soil. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, with treatments arranged in a 2 ´ 3 + 1 factorial, replicated three times. The treatments were the following: two soils (Eutrudox and Paleudalf) and three plant materials: two green-manures (sunnhemp or Velvet Bean), and Phaseolus Bean residues, besides one control without plant incorporation into the soil. For the green-manure treatments there were two sub-treatments for each legume species, with 15N labeling of either shoots or roots. Soil moisture was maintained relatively constant during the experiment al period and the treatments were sampled weekly during 49 days. Total mineral nitrogen in the soil, as well as that derived from the legume plants were determined by isotope dilution. Nitrogen from the Velvet Bean accounted for a greater proportion of the soil inorganic N; shoots were responsible for most of N accumulated. Dry Bean residues caused immobilization of inorganic N. The leguminous species added were intensively and promptly mineralized preserving the soil native nitrogen. Mineralization of the legume plant N was greater in the Paleudalf soil than in the Eutrudox.Estudou-se a mineralização do nitrogênio derivado das leguminosas adubo verde (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea) e de restos culturais de feijoeiro, marcados com 15N, incorporados em dois solos, Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico textura argilosa, A moderado (LVef) e Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico textura arenosa/média, A moderado (PVad). O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, em vasos com 6 kg de terra fina seca ao ar. Incorporou-se aos solos o equivalente a 13 Mg ha-1 de material seco de palha de feijão e mesma quantidade da parte aérea das leguminosas associadas a 2,7 e 2,2 Mg ha-1 de raízes de mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea respectivamente. Adotou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições e os tratamentos originaram-se de um fatorial 2´ 3 + 1 e foram os seguintes: dois solos (LV ef e PV ad) e incorporação de três tipos de leguminosas, sendo dois adubos verdes (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea), e resíduo cultural de feijoeiro, além de uma testemunha sem adição de material vegetal. Os tratamentos com adubos verdes foram divididos em subtratamentos com marcação isotópica independentes da parte aérea e raízes. Os solos foram incubados por 49 dias fazendo-se sete amostragens em intervalos de sete dias. A palha de feijão causou imobilização do N-mineral no solo. A mucuna-preta contribuiu em maior proporção do nitrogênio mineral do solo, principalmente a parte aérea. O N do material vegetal das leguminosas foi mineralizado mais intensamente, preservando o nitrogênio presente no material orgânico original dos solos. A mineralização das leguminosas foi maior no solo Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo
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Mineralização do nitrogênio em solos com incorporação de crotalaria juncea, mucuna-preta e restos culturais de feijoeiro
'FapUNIFESP (SciELO)', 2015Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka TakashiAbstract:Nitrogen (15N) released from sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), Velvet Bean (Mucuna aterrima) and from Phaseolus Bean residues was evaluated after incubation of the plant material in an Eutrudox and a Paleudalf, in a greenhouse experiment with pots containing 6 kg of air dried soil. Dry matter equivalent to 13 Mg ha-1 of Phaseolus Bean residues and the same amount of above ground parts of the leguminous species, associated to 2.7 and 2.2 Mg ha-1 of roots of sunnhemp and Velvet Bean respectively, were incorporated into the soil. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, with treatments arranged in a 2 ´ 3 + 1 factorial, replicated three times. The treatments were the following: two soils (Eutrudox and Paleudalf) and three plant materials: two green-manures (sunnhemp or Velvet Bean), and Phaseolus Bean residues, besides one control without plant incorporation into the soil. For the green-manure treatments there were two sub-treatments for each legume species, with 15N labeling of either shoots or roots. Soil moisture was maintained relatively constant during the experiment al period and the treatments were sampled weekly during 49 days. Total mineral nitrogen in the soil, as well as that derived from the legume plants were determined by isotope dilution. Nitrogen from the Velvet Bean accounted for a greater proportion of the soil inorganic N; shoots were responsible for most of N accumulated. Dry Bean residues caused immobilization of inorganic N. The leguminous species added were intensively and promptly mineralized preserving the soil native nitrogen. Mineralization of the legume plant N was greater in the Paleudalf soil than in the Eutrudox.Estudou-se a mineralização do nitrogênio derivado das leguminosas adubo verde (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea) e de restos culturais de feijoeiro, marcados com 15N, incorporados em dois solos, Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico textura argilosa, A moderado (LVef) e Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico textura arenosa/média, A moderado (PVad). O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, em vasos com 6 kg de terra fina seca ao ar. Incorporou-se aos solos o equivalente a 13 Mg ha-1 de material seco de palha de feijão e mesma quantidade da parte aérea das leguminosas associadas a 2,7 e 2,2 Mg ha-1 de raízes de mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea respectivamente. Adotou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições e os tratamentos originaram-se de um fatorial 2´ 3 + 1 e foram os seguintes: dois solos (LV ef e PV ad) e incorporação de três tipos de leguminosas, sendo dois adubos verdes (mucuna-preta e crotalária juncea), e resíduo cultural de feijoeiro, além de uma testemunha sem adição de material vegetal. Os tratamentos com adubos verdes foram divididos em subtratamentos com marcação isotópica independentes da parte aérea e raízes. Os solos foram incubados por 49 dias fazendo-se sete amostragens em intervalos de sete dias. A palha de feijão causou imobilização do N-mineral no solo. A mucuna-preta contribuiu em maior proporção do nitrogênio mineral do solo, principalmente a parte aérea. O N do material vegetal das leguminosas foi mineralizado mais intensamente, preservando o nitrogênio presente no material orgânico original dos solos. A mineralização das leguminosas foi maior no solo Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo.133137Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP
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Productivity of sugarcane after previous legumes crop
'FapUNIFESP (SciELO)', 2015Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka Takashi, Rossi Fabrício, Schammas, Eliana Aparecida, Dias, Fábio Luis Ferreira, Sachs, Raquel Castellucci Caruso, Azcón RozarioAbstract:The research aimed to evaluate and characterize the biomass of leguminous residues, the natural arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus occurrence and the effect of leguminous on the nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) in sugarcane crop. The experiment was carried out in Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil. The soil was classified as Paleudalf and the sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) cultivar was IAC87-3396. The effects of previous cultivation of legumes were evaluated for five consecutive harvests. The treatments consisted of previous cultivation of legumes: peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars IAC-Tatu and IAC-Caiapó, sunn hemp IAC 1 (Crotalaria juncea L.) and Velvet-Bean [Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland], and a control treatment. We adopted the randomized block design with five replications. The legume most productive was sunn hemp IAC 1 with 10.264 kg ha-1, followed by Velvet-Bean with 4.391 kg ha-1 and peanuts IAC-Caiapó and IAC-Tatu with 3.177 kg ha-1 and 1.965 kg ha-1, respectively. The peanut IAC-Caiapó and Velvet Bean were the leguminous crops that resulted in the greater percentage of AM fungus. The lowest population of Pratylenchus spp. was found in the treatments with peanut IAC-Tatu and IAC-Caiapó. After five harvests, sunn hemp was the leguminous crop that induced the greatest sugarcane yield, with 30% increase in cane yield and 35% in sugar yield.Estudou-se o efeito do cultivo prévio de leguminosas sobre a produtividade e lucratividade da cana-de-açúcar. Foram determinados a produtividade de biomassa, o acúmulo de nutrientes das leguminosas, a ocorrência natural de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares, bem como o efeito das leguminosas sobre a população de nematoides do gênero Pratylenchus à cana-de-açúcar. O experimento foi desenvolvido em Piracicaba (SP), Brasil, em solo classificado como Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico, utilizando-se a cultivar de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) IAC87-3396. As avaliações dos efeitos do cultivo prévio das leguminosas foram realizadas durante cinco cortes consecutivos. Os tratamentos consistiram do cultivo prévio das leguminosas: Amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L) - cultivares IAC-Tatu e IAC-Caiapó, crotalária júncea IAC 1 (Crotalaria juncea L) e mucuna preta [Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland], e um tratamento-testemunha. Adotou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições. A leguminosa mais produtiva de biomassa seca (parte aérea+raízes) foi a crotalária júncea IAC 1 (10.264 kg ha-1), seguida da mucuna preta (4.391 kg ha-1) e dos amendoins, IAC-Caiapó (3.177 kg ha-1) e IAC-Tatu (1.965 kg ha-1). O amendoim IAC-Caiapó e a mucuna preta foram as espécies mais infectadas por fungos micorrízicos. O amendoim, independente da cultivar, foi a leguminosa que mais reduziu a infestação de Pratylenchus spp. na cana-de-açúcar. Após cinco cortes da cana-de-açúcar o melhor desempenho foi notado no tratamento com cultivo prévio de crotalária júncea IAC 1, o qual promoveu incrementos de 30% e 35% na produtividade de colmos e de açúcar respectivamente e o melhor desempenho econômico.810818Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq
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Productivity of sugarcane after previous legumes crop
Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, 2015Co-Authors: Ambrosano, Edmilson José, Trivelin, Paulo Cesar Ocheuze, Cantarella Heitor, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Muraoka Takashi, Rossi Fabrício, Schammas, Eliana Aparecida, Dias, Fábio Luis Ferreira, Sachs, Raquel Castellucci Caruso, Azcón RozarioAbstract:The research aimed to evaluate and characterize the biomass of leguminous residues, the natural arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus occurrence and the effect of leguminous on the nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) in sugarcane crop. The experiment was carried out in Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil. The soil was classified as Paleudalf and the sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) cultivar was IAC87-3396. The effects of previous cultivation of legumes were evaluated for five consecutive harvests. The treatments consisted of previous cultivation of legumes: peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars IAC-Tatu and IAC-Caiapó, sunn hemp IAC 1 (Crotalaria juncea L.) and Velvet-Bean [Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland], and a control treatment. We adopted the randomized block design with five replications. The legume most productive was sunn hemp IAC 1 with 10.264 kg ha-1, followed by Velvet-Bean with 4.391 kg ha-1 and peanuts IAC-Caiapó and IAC-Tatu with 3.177 kg ha-1 and 1.965 kg ha-1, respectively. The peanut IAC-Caiapó and Velvet Bean were the leguminous crops that resulted in the greater percentage of AM fungus. The lowest population of Pratylenchus spp. was found in the treatments with peanut IAC-Tatu and IAC-Caiapó. After five harvests, sunn hemp was the leguminous crop that induced the greatest sugarcane yield, with 30% increase in cane yield and 35% in sugar yield.Estudou-se o efeito do cultivo prévio de leguminosas sobre a produtividade e lucratividade da cana-de-açúcar. Foram determinados a produtividade de biomassa, o acúmulo de nutrientes das leguminosas, a ocorrência natural de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares, bem como o efeito das leguminosas sobre a população de nematoides do gênero Pratylenchus à cana-de-açúcar. O experimento foi desenvolvido em Piracicaba (SP), Brasil, em solo classificado como Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico, utilizando-se a cultivar de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) IAC87-3396. As avaliações dos efeitos do cultivo prévio das leguminosas foram realizadas durante cinco cortes consecutivos. Os tratamentos consistiram do cultivo prévio das leguminosas: Amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L) - cultivares IAC-Tatu e IAC-Caiapó, crotalária júncea IAC 1 (Crotalaria juncea L) e mucuna preta [Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland], e um tratamento-testemunha. Adotou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições. A leguminosa mais produtiva de biomassa seca (parte aérea+raízes) foi a crotalária júncea IAC 1 (10.264 kg ha-1), seguida da mucuna preta (4.391 kg ha-1) e dos amendoins, IAC-Caiapó (3.177 kg ha-1) e IAC-Tatu (1.965 kg ha-1). O amendoim IAC-Caiapó e a mucuna preta foram as espécies mais infectadas por fungos micorrízicos. O amendoim, independente da cultivar, foi a leguminosa que mais reduziu a infestação de Pratylenchus spp. na cana-de-açúcar. Após cinco cortes da cana-de-açúcar o melhor desempenho foi notado no tratamento com cultivo prévio de crotalária júncea IAC 1, o qual promoveu incrementos de 30% e 35% na produtividade de colmos e de açúcar respectivamente e o melhor desempenho econômico
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differential use and benefits of Velvet Bean mucuna pruriens var utilis and n fertilizers in maize production in contrasting agro ecological zones of e uganda
Agricultural Systems, 2006Co-Authors: Crammer K Kaizzi, Henry Ssali, Paul L G VlekAbstract:Abstract Research was conducted in eastern Uganda on a transect from Mt. Elgon (high altitude) to the low-altitude zones. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Velvet Bean ( Mucuna pruriens var. utilis ) and inorganic N fertilizer in improving maize production in contrasting agro-ecological zones over two seasons. The high and medium altitude zones are high-potential agricultural areas, with much more reliable rainfall and the opposite is true for the low-altitude zone. Each zone comprised soils of contrasting productivity levels. During 22 weeks, Mucuna produced 2.6–7.9 t ha −1 of dry matter, accumulating 80–200 kg N ha −1 , and derived approximately 34–108 kg N ha −1 from the atmosphere. In the subsequent season, a maize crop was used to evaluate the effects of the green manure-N as compared to 40 and 80 kg N ha −1 . The mean maize yield of the farmers’ practice was used to distinguish between high- and low-productive fields at each location. There was a significant increase in maize yield in response to the added N, both from urea or M. pruriens var. utilis ’. The average increase above that of the farmers’ practice was 1.0 t ha −1 for the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones, However, the above average fields responded to added N by a mere 0.4 t ha −1 in the low-productivity areas. In the high-productivity areas as much as 2.2 t ha −1 were gained. The aggregated maize yield increase over two seasons indicated an increment of 2.7 t ha −1 with the application of inorganic fertilizers, and of 1.9 t ha −1 with a preceding mucuna-maize relay on high productivity fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones, compared to 1.3 t ha −1 obtained with either strategy on the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones. Economic benefits are obtained with any N supply strategy on highly productive fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones. The N supply strategies are as profitable as the farmers practice on the more productive fields in low-potential agro-ecological zones. However, farmers on low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones are currently operating in an economically downward spiral. Only the alternate use of a mucuna-maize relay provides them a way out of this predicament. Given the current prices for maize and urea, the adoption of fertilizer-N in any but the most favorable environment cannot be expected.
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the potential of Velvet Bean mucuna pruriens and n fertilizers in maize production on contrasting soils and agro ecological zones of east uganda
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 2004Co-Authors: Crammer K Kaizzi, Henry Ssali, Paul L G VlekAbstract:Research was conducted at two sites located in medium and low altitude zones in eastern Uganda. The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefit of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) and inorganic N fertilizer in improving maize production in contrasting agro-ecological zones over two seasons. The medium altitude zone (Bulegeni) is a high-potential agricultural zone, with much more reliable rainfall and soils with high-productivity rating. The opposite is true for the low-altitude zone (Kibale). The soils were fertile for the site in the high-potential zone and poor in the low-potential zone. Over 22 weeks of fallow or relay with maize, Mucuna produced on average 8.2 t ha−1 dry matter, accumulating 170 kg N ha−1, with 57% of the N derived from the atmosphere in the low-potential zone, compared to 11.6 t ha−1 dry matter, 350 kg N ha−1, with 43% of the N derived from air, in the high-potential zone. Between 77 and 97% of the Mucuna-accumulated N was released over a period of 25 weeks, at a rate of 0.081 and 0.118 week−1 in the high- and low-potential zones, respectively. The N-balance study shows that 93% of the applied N was accounted for in the high-potential zone, compared to 61% in the low-potential zone, due to differences in soil texture, soil fertility and maize biomass production at the two sites. As much as 44–73% of the N remained in the soil in the high-potential zone, compared to 39–53% in the low-potential zone, which might benefit the subsequent crops. There was a significant increase in maize yield in response to the added N, both from urea or Mucuna. The average increment above the control (continuous maize) was 3.2 t ha−1 in the high-potential zone and 1.0 t ha−1 in the low-potential zone. The maize yield increase over two seasons added up to 3.1 t ha−1 with the application of inorganic fertilizers, and 1.9 t ha−1 with a preceding Mucuna–maize relay in the high-potential zone, compared to an average of, 1.7 t ha−1 with application of inorganic fertilizers and with Mucuna–maize relay in the low-potential zone. Application of P fertilizers with either N supply strategy significantly increased maize yield in the low-potential zone only, resulting in an additional 0.8 t ha−1 for the inorganic N fertilizers and 1.3 t ha−1 for a preceding Mucuna–maize relay. Apparently, P fertilizers are needed on poor soils. Clearly farmers stand to gain in terms of maize production from fertilizers as well as from the use of Mucuna, with more benefits from inorganic fertilizers in the high-potential zone.
