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Simple Summary: Green manure application is an effective management practice for enhancing soil nutrient levels and organic matter, but pest management in green manure fields has traditionally been ignored. The beet webworm, a polyphagous insect, is currently experiencing an outbreak in northern China, and represents a significant migratory pest. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of green manure crops on beet webworm by measuring its growth, development, fecundity, and flight ability on Chenopodium album (a suitable host), as well as three major legume green manure crops in China: Pisum sativam, Vicia sativa, and Vicia villosa. Our findings indicate that V. villosa does not serve as a host plant for the beet webworm, which experiences 100% mortality during its larval stage. This indicates that the large-scale cultivation of V. villosa as a green manure crop in northern China will not increase the risk of the beet webworm outbreaks. Although the beet webworm has a significantly lower host adaptability to P. sativam and V. sativa compared to C. album, it is still well adapted to these two green manure crops. Our research provides a foundation for selecting appropriate green manure varieties and implementing effective pest control measures during their cultivation. The application of green manure is crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry, but pest management is often overlooked. Conducting a risk assessment for insect pests in green manure is essential. The beet webworm, Loxostege sticticalis, a polyphagous insect, is currently experiencing an outbreak in northern China, and represents a significant migratory pest. A two-sex life table and flight mill test approach was used to comprehensively evaluate the effects of three major legume green manure crops (Pisum sativam, Vicia sativa, and Vicia villosa) on the growth, development, fecundity, and flight ability of L. sticticalis in China. Our findings indicate that L. sticticalis cannot utilize V. villosa for generational development. L. sticticalis shows reduced performance on P. sativam and V. sativa compared to its suitable host Chenopodium album. However, both the population parameters (R0, r, λ, and T) and the population prediction results suggest that L. sticticalis can adapt to P. sativam and V. sativa. In the process of promoting green manure, careful consideration should be given to the selection of appropriate green manure varieties and the implementation of effective pest control measures during their planting. Our findings lay the groundwork for the promotion of green manure and implementation of an ecological management plan for L. sticticalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative to enhance the fertility of agricultural soils in tropical areas of Mexico and the world is through the use of vegetation covers and green manures, mainly of species of the family Leguminosae. The objective of this work was to analyze the potential of legumes as soil fertility enhancers in tropical agricultural areas through the documentary research technique, considering scientific research of the last 20 years, period 2000-2023. Derived from the review, 14 species widely studied and 24 more, with high potential as enhancers of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, were determined. The species most used in the tropics are: Mucuna pruriens L. (DC) (biomass: 2.6 to 7.9 t ha-1 year-1, N: 80 to 200 kg ha-1 year-1 ), Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC (biomass: 4.6 t ha-1 year-1 ; N: 173 kg ha-1 year-1 ) and Centrosema macrocarpum Benth (biomass: 9.6 t ha-1 year-1, nitrogen: 311 kg ha-1 year-1 ). Production in crops associated with legumes has increased by up to 50%. Despite the benefits to soil and production, the acceptance and adoption of legumes has been limited by different causes, among them: lack of perception of the benefits of legumes, failures in the technology generated and applied, and scarce participatory approach in their selection. With the information generated in this work, 10 recommendations were conceived to facilitate the selection of species, provide information that facilitates their adoption and that serves as a basis for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to assess the performance of Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna deeringiana (Leguminosae) as a green manure in the agricultural soil of the Frailesca region of Chiapas, México, in terms of aboveground biomass accumulation, plant height, number of leaves, canopy coverage, and the accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each species was sowed at two population densities under a randomized complete block design with three replications. Every 30 days after sowing (DAS), the following variables were quantified: plant length, number of leaves, canopy coverage, biomass yield, and N, P, and K content. A variance analysis and mean comparison test (Tukey 0.05) were performed for each variable. The biomass yield in M. deeringiana fluctuated from 9150 to 33,160 kg ha-1 on a fresh basis and from 4490 to 15,890 kg ha-1 on a dry basis, whereas the yield in C. ensiformis varied from 9343 to 26,390 kg ha-1 and from 4513 to 13,150 kg ha-1, respectively. The longest recorded plant length was 513.00 cm in M. deeringiana and 155 cm in C. ensiformis, with a total of 353 and 322 leaves, respectively. The accumulation of N, P, and K was 463.99 kg ha-1, 84.22 kg ha-1, and 49.26 kg ha-1 in M. deeringiana and 341.90 kg ha-1, 43.40 kg ha-1, and 36.82 kg ha-1 in C. ensiformis, respectively. Both C. ensiformis and M. deeringiana have potential as green manure for the Frailesca region of Chiapas in terms of biomass production and N accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze whether the use of green manures in association with rock phosphate rates can guarantee corn yields to family farmers. An experiment was conducted with six types of green manures: Mucuna cinereum, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Pennisetum glaucum and a weedy fallow control treatment; and three rates of phosphorus (0, 50 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1) in a complete randomized block design. The management with Crotalaria juncea achieved the highest dry mass yield (39.3 Mg ha-1) and in year 2 (2016), with the water deficit during the corn cultivation, led to an increase of the root/shoot mass ratio, as well as presented the lowest water deficit sensitivity index (Ky), indicating that it can be an alternative for managing climate change. The highest corn yield (7510 kg ha-1) was obtained in the management with the Crotalaria ochroleuca, which defines it as a technically and economically viable alternative for family farming, with corn yield exceeding the average yield of the State of Mato Grosso and production cost lower than the average production cost of corn in the State of Mato Grosso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of adaptation of Rhizobia in diverse environment namely, soil, rhizosphere and grown within legume roots may lead to nitrogen fixation, in a complicated process which contain a coordinated exchange of signal between plants and the symbionts. Green manures, cash and cover crops have significant role in soil fertility. Green manuring techniques also can decrease biomass burning known as main source of air pollutant in the atmosphere. Catch crops have positive effects on both physical and chemical properties of soil, subsequent crop yield, decrease nitrogen leaching into the ground water, decrease soil erosion, and decrease nitrogen losses in cropping systems. Cover crops are those crops which cover the ground and protect loss of plant nutrients, the soil from erosion, decrease rate of soil moisture by evaporation, lower ground temperature and improve weed control and nutrient recycling. Rhizobia produce Nod factors during the early development of nodules upon perception of flavonoid molecules secreted by legume roots, and Nod factor's structure dependents on species, chemical, substitutions added which may influence legume specificity. The benefic effects of rhizobia may depend on rhizobium strain, the genotype of the legume, management practices and bio-physical environment. Rhizobium can directly promote both plant growth and plant health, and modulating root architecture and growth via the release of plant phytohormones. In this manuscript, we want to review the most important advantages and benefits of green manures, catch and cover crops with considering the positive effects of rhizobium on soil fertility and sustainable agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize, being a nutrient exhaustive crop and also grown as a monocrop season after season, is leading to drastic deterioration of the soil fertility status. Hence green manure legumes initially grown in situ and later incorporated before flowering stage into the soil will help to rejuvenate the soil health. An experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram for three consecutive years during kharif 2015, 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the effect of green manures on soil health, nutrient bioavailability and yield attributes of the succeeding maize crop. Three green manure legumes viz., sunhemp, dhaincha and green gram were grown in situ and incorporated into the soil before sowing of the maize crop in the respective treatments and different doses of fertilizer levels were applied to study the cumulative effect of green manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield attributes, economics and nutrient uptake of succeeding maize. Pooled data of all three years proved that the grain and straw yield was found to be the highest in the treatment of in situ incorporation of dhaincha with 100% RDF (65.2 q/ha and 74.0 q/ha). Moreover, the soil available nitrogen was also found highest in the same treatment (230 kg/ha), whereas the available P2O5 (73 kg/ha) and K2O (318 kg/ha) was found highest in the treatment with in situ incorporation of sunhemp with 100% RDF, but these treatments are at par with in situ incorporation of dhaincha with 75% RDF. The soil available Fe was found high in the treatment with in situ incorporation of dhaincha with 100% RDF (12.98 ppm), whereas soil available Mn was found highest in the treatment with in situ incorporation of sunhemp with 100% RDF (12.43 ppm) but at par with in situ incorporation of dhaincha with 100% RDF and in situ incorporation of dhaincha with 75% RDF. The N and K uptake by maize plant was found highest in the treatment with in situ incorporation of dhaincha with 100% RDF (110.0 kg/ha and 87.5 kg/ha) whereas the uptake of P was found highest in the treatment with in situ incorporation of sunhemp with 100% RDF (39.1 kg/ha), but both the treatments are at par with each other in the uptake of N, P and K nutrients and significantly higher than sole crop of maize with 100% RDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of biomass produced by various native species of genus Lupinus (L.) growing in Mexico ranges from 2.9-8.2 Mg/ha of dry matter, which can add up to 200 kg/ha of N to soil as green manure. However, information is scarce on the decomposition and mineralisation this biomass in the soil. The above-ground decomposition and N mineralisation of Lupinus mexicanus Cerv. ex Lag. and Lupinus rotundiflorus M.E. Jones species from Mexico using fine-mesh litter bags was evaluated. Litter bags containing 5 g of above-ground air-dried biomass at the vegetative and flowering stages were buried at a depth of 20 cm. Were dug up every 3 weeks over the course of 4 months, dried and re-weighed to determine the lost mass and total N by the Kjeldahl method. The largest decrease in residue mass occurred during the first 3 weeks of incubation. However, the lost mass was higher in younger green manure (75 days old) than in older plants (85 days old) after 18 weeks of exposure in the field. It was found that 60-75% of the total N in the plant material was released in the first 6 weeks. In L. rotundiflorus green manure, it was found that 79.14% of the initial N in the vegetative stage and 77.6% of N in the flowering stage was released 18 weeks after litter bag installation, whereas L. mexicanus were 74.6% and 74.7%, respectively. It was found that both decomposition and N mineralisation occurred quickly in the green manures evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Minni Payaru [Vigna stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz] is an underutilized traditional legume species mainly used for food, animal fodder and green manure, particularly in Southern India. In the era of global climate change, this indigenous crop has the ability to survive under harsh environment and also has resistance against various biotic and abiotic stresses. Based on acquired knowledge about this crop, farmers prefer Minni Payaru compared to other commercial kharif pulses. Though Minni Payaru has huge potential to be used as main legume crop, it has not gained popularity in India. Currently, the cultivation of Minni Payaru is restricted to the Southern regions of India. The present review summarises the budding role of Minni Payaru in human nutrition, animal fodder and green manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of interseeded green manure (GM) legumes in maize (Zea mays L.) cropping systems and their termination time on yield of maize and soil chemical properties in southern Ethiopia. Maize variety, BH540 was planted as the main crop while three GM legumes cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) were interseeded between maize rows. The GM legumes were terminated and incorporated into soils at 30, 45 and 60 days after planting. The amounts of dry biomass produced varied significantly (p < 0.05) among GM legumes and their termination time. The results indicated that GM legumes accumulated over 39.3–65.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 during 2014 cropping season and 53.3–156.6 kg N ha−1 yr−1 during 2016 cropping season. However, maize stover and grain N yields were not significantly influenced by GM. The results suggest GM legumes, lablab and cowpea improved soil chemical properties (N, P and K). Therefore, interseeding and incorporation of GM legumes can be considered as an alternative mechanism of soil fertility management for sustainable crop production in southern Ethiopia, where rotational and successional GM legumes cultivation is practically impossible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes are used in crop rotations by both large‐scale and smallholder farmers alike to increase soil fertility, especially before high‐nitrogen‐demanding crops such as corn (maize). Legume crop residues and green manures are rich in nitrogen due to mutualistic rhizobia, bacteria that live in their roots and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a biologically available form. Growers can obtain recommendations from local extension offices about how much less inorganic nitrogen fertilizer needs to be added to a subsequent crop following different legume break crops for the predominant soil type (the nitrogen fertilizer replacement value, or NFRV). Due to the intimate relationship between legumes and rhizobia, conditions that affect plant health can also affect the rhizobia and how much nitrogen they provide. We use a combination of empirical data and previously published values to estimate reductions in nitrogen inputs under outbreaks of plant viruses of varying severity. We also use historical fertilizer prices to examine the economic impacts of this lost fertilizer for farmers. We find that fertilizer losses are greatest for crops that fix large amounts of nitrogen, such as clover and alfalfa as opposed to common bean. The economic impact on farmers is controlled by the proportion of plants with viral infections and the price of synthetic fertilizer. In a year of high disease prevalence, attention is normally focused on the yield of the diseased crops. We suggest that farmers growing legumes as break crops should be concerned about yields of subsequent crops as well. Viral diseases can be difficult to diagnose in the field, so the easiest way for farmers to prevent unexpected yield losses in subsequent crops is to test their soil when it is feasible to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High yields and crop quality in organic small grain production can only be achieved through successful management of nitrogen. Experienced farmers and advisors in the Northeastern U.S. were asked to discuss the most pressing challenges in organic nitrogen management for organic small grain systems, with a particular focus on legume green manures (LGMs). Eighteen semi-structured interviews with 12 farmers and eight advisors were conducted between December 2017 and March 2018. The farmers employed a range of materials and practices for fulfilling the nitrogen fertility needs of their crops, including LGMs, animal manures and organic fertilizers. Farmers and advisors identified cost, overdependence on external nitrogen sources, nitrogen source access, diversifying rotations, weed management and predicting nitrogen mineralization of organic residues as major challenges in nitrogen management. Results indicated that cost-effectiveness in nitrogen management is essential, but that farmers consider additional factors, such as weed pressure and long-term soil health effects, when choosing nitrogen sources or practices. Legume-based nitrogen fertility is promising for small grain systems in this region, but structural challenges, such as the lack of animal agriculture proximal to grain operations, and limited cash crop markets, impede the development of diverse rotations that feature long-term legume sods. Recommendations include additional field-based research, including on-farm, participatory LGM studies as one avenue. Programming and educational outreach should focus on bolstering farmers' understanding of nitrogen mineralization of incorporated LGM residues, as well as their ability to anticipate and respond to sources of variability in LGM systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peas are an important legume for human and animal consumption and are also being used as green manure or intermediate crops to sustain and improve soil condition. Pea production faces constraints from fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. We investigated the virome of German pea crops over the course of three successive seasons in different regions of pea production to gain an overview of the existing viruses. Pools from 540 plants, randomly selected from symptomatic and asymptomatic peas, and non-crop plants surrounding the pea fields were used for ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA extraction followed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and RT-PCR confirmation. Thirty-five different viruses were detected in addition to nine associated nucleic acids. From these viruses, 25 are classified as either new viruses, novel strains or viruses that have not been reported previously from Germany. Pea enation mosaic virus 1 and 2 were the most prevalent viruses detected in the pea crops, followed by pea necrotic yellow dwarf virus (PNYDV) and turnip yellows virus which was also found also in the surrounding non-legume weeds. Moreover, a new emaravirus was detected in symptomatic peas in one region for two successive seasons. Most of the identified viruses are known to be aphid transmissible. The results revealed a high virodiversity in the German pea fields that poses new challenges to diagnosticians, researchers, risk assessors and policy makers, as the impact of the new findings are currently unknown. German pea virome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The narrow‐leafed lupin, Lupinus angustifolius L., is a grain legume crop, cultivated both as a green manure and as a source of protein for animal feed and human food production. During its domestication process, numerous agronomic traits were improved, however, only two trait‐related genes were identified hitherto, both by linkage mapping. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), exploiting genomic sequencing, did not select any novel candidate gene. In the present study, an innovative method of 3′‐end reduced representation transcriptomic profiling, a massive analysis of cDNA ends, has been used for genotyping of 126 L. angustifolius lines surveyed by field phenotyping. Significant genotype × environment interactions were identified for all phenology and yield traits analysed. Principal component analysis of population structure evidenced European domestication bottlenecks, visualized by clustering of breeding materials and cultivars. GWAS provided contribution towards deciphering vernalization pathway in legumes, and, apart from highlighting known domestication loci (Ku/Julius and mol), designated novel candidate genes for L. angustifolius traits. Early phenology was associated with genes from vernalization, cold‐responsiveness and phosphatidylinositol signalling pathways whereas high yield with genes controlling photosynthesis performance and abiotic stress (drought or heat) tolerance. PCR‐based toolbox was developed and validated to enable tracking desired alleles in marker‐assisted selection. Narrow‐leafed lupin was genotyped with an innovative method of transcriptome profiling and phenotyped for phenology, growth and yield traits in field. Early phenology was found associated with genes from cold‐response, vernalization and phosphatidylinositol signalling pathways, whereas high yield with genes running photosystem II and drought or heat stress response. Key loci were supplied with PCR‐based toolbox for marker‐assisted selection. Narrow‐leafed lupin was genotyped with an innovative method of transcriptome profiling and phenotyped for phenology, growth and yield traits in field. Early phenology was found associated with genes from cold‐response, vernalization and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways, whereas high yield with genes running photosystem II and drought or heat stress response. Key loci were supplied with PCR‐based toolbox for marker‐assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], also known as clusterbean, is a crop plant grown in semi‐arid regions worldwide for the galactomannan gum of its seed, and as a forage, vegetable, and green manure. Despite the importance of guar and its products, uniform growth stage descriptions have not been established for the crop. Such descriptions allow for improved documentation and communication of the growth and phenological development of crops by researchers, producers, and others. Following models of other warm‐season, indeterminant‐growth legumes, such a system was developed for guar based on visually observable and sequential vegetative (V) and reproductive (R) plant events. The system was evaluated in two locations in dryland and irrigated conditions, using three morphologically contrasting guar varieties. The V stages begin with emergence (VE) and then are determined by counting the nodes on the main stem of the plant, with the cotyledonary node as zero [V0 to V(N)]. The R stages include R1 (First Flower), R2 (First Pod), R3 (First Seed or Full Pod), R4 (Full Seed), R5 (First Maturity), R6 (50% Maturity), and R7 (Harvest Maturity). The V and R stages may be reported alone or concurrently and applied at plant or crop scales. The stage descriptions apply to all growth morphologies of guar (i.e., branched and non‐branched) and accommodate the indeterminant growth habit of the plant. Season‐long data is reported from field studies on crop V and R stage progression, as well as data on crop growth, including biomass component partitioning, productivity, and canopy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Indian Institute of Pulses Research Vision document, India's population is expected to touch 1.68 billion by 2030 and the pulse requirement for the year 2030 is projected at 32 million tonnes with anticipated required annual growth rate of 4.2%. Pigeon pea is an important legume crop cultivated across several countries throughout the tropics and subtropics. They are cultivated in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Caribbean, East and West Africa. Commonly known as 'Arhar' in Northern India, this protein rich pulse crop has growing demand in Asia. Among the pulses pigeon pea is the second most important kharif grain legume after chickpea in India and grown predominantly under rainfed conditions. The kernels are nutritionally rich containing 20-22% protein. Its cultivation would be able to provide 40-60 kg N/ha to the subsequently grown crop. The leaves and immature stems can be used as a green manure. Fallen leaves can also be used as mulch and thus help to enhance the water holding capacity of soil. Its beneficial effect as an intercrop has also been reported. Sometimes ground dry peas are mixed with wheat flour just to improve the flour quality and its protein content. Additionally, pigeon pea shares a vital part in India's pulse import and export. Keeping all these in view the present review depicts the various aspects of pigeon pea cultivation and its status in Indian trade on pulse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate two managements of incorporation of green manure from four legumes and the use of microbial inoculants on the quality of Zea mays L silage in the Colombian dry tropic. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Motilonia Research Center, located in the Cesar Valley, Colombia. A randomized block design was applied, with split-plot arrangement. The integration of the factors season of incorporation of manure, type of green manure (four legumes, control without incorporation of the legume and control with nitrogen fertilization) and use or not of microbial inoculation of the silage, were evaluated as treatments. The dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, crude protein, in vitro digestibility, pH, ammoniacal nitrogen and concentration of lactic, acetic and butyric acid, were determined. Results: There was no effect of the incorporation season on silage quality. Higher content of dry matter (31,9 and 30,7 %), crude protein (8,9 and 8,0 %) and IVDMD (86,0 and 58,9 %) was found in the silo inoculated with regards to the non-inoculated one. In the parameters of fermentation, lower value of pH (3,6 and 4,0), NH3 (38 and 4,4 %), acetic acid (1,9 and 2,4 %), butyric (0,3 and 0,4 %) and increase of lactic acid (7,7 and 6,25) were noted in the inoculated silage compared with the non-inoculated one. Conclusions: Independently from the incorporation season and from the legume used as green manure, the inoculation of the silages improved the nutritional quality and their fermentation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the mass decomposition and mineralization of nutrients from a green manure composed of mixtures of legume and grass in tropical conditions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with green manure biomass mulched on top of the soil in pots and covered with a nylon screen. The five treatments comprised different ratios of jack bean (JB) and millet (M) providing the same amount of total N: 100JB, 75JB:25M, 50JB:50M, 25JB:75M and 100M. Samples were collected at 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 days after mulching. The contents of C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and the C:N, C:S and lignin:N ratios were determined. The chemical characteristics varied according to the legume and grass mixtures. The 100JB had the highest N content and lowest contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, C:N and lignin:N. The opposite was found for the 100M. The N mineralization process correlates positively with total N concentration and negatively with lignin content, C:N and lignin:N ratio and, these were the most important factors to predict the N mineralization in mixtures of legume and grass in tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cowpea green manure and inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers on yields of winter wheat and soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O). The comparisons included cowpea grown solely as green manure where all biomass was terminated at maturity by tillage, summer fallow treatments with 90 kg N ha−1 as urea (90-N), and no fertilization (control) at planting of winter wheat. Fluxes of N2O were measured by closed chamber methods after soil incorporation of cowpea in autumn (October–November) and harvesting of winter wheat in summer (June–August). Growth and yields of winter wheat and N concentrations in grain and straw were also measured. Cowpea produced 9.5 Mg ha−1 shoot biomass with 253 kg N ha−1 at termination. Although soil moisture was favorable for denitrification after soil incorporation of cowpea biomass, low concentrations of soil mineral N restricted emissions of N2O from cowpea treatment. However, increased concentrations of soil mineral N and large rainfall-induced emissions were recorded from the cowpea treatment during summer. Growth of winter wheat, yield, and grain N concentrations were lowest in response to cowpea treatment and highest in 90-N treatment. In conclusion, late terminated cowpea may reduce yield of winter wheat and increase emissions of N2O outside of wheat growing seasons due to poor synchronization of N mineralization from cowpea biomass with N-demand of winter wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vicia L. is an invaluable genus with considerable agricultural and economic importance due to its high value as feed, green manure, and medicine. However, most of this genus is not well known and remains underutilized. Due to the imprecise circumscription and delineation of Vicia species, the taxonomic history of this genus is controversial, which has hindered the identification of species with high economic potential. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of Vicia species is essential. Simultaneously, species identification through DNA barcoding has become an effective taxonomic classification tool. Here, the species‐discrimination abilities of matK, rbcL, trnH‐psbA, trnL‐trnF, ITS1, and ITS2 were tested in 161 Vicia species with both sequence similarity (nearest neighbor, best match, and best close match) and tree‐based (maximum likelihood tree) methods. Among the single barcode sites, trnH‐psbA had the highest level of polymorphism (52.4% variable sites; nucleotide diversity, 0.1338). Additionally, trnH‐psbA had the highest mean interspecific distance (0.1352) and intraspecific distance (0.0071). The combined barcode matK+trnH‐psbA had the highest correct identification rate by the sequence similarity method. Both trnH‐psbA (75.38%) and matK (70.73%) showed higher species discrimination rates than the other barcodes when using the tree‐based method. Based on overall performance, matK and trnH‐psbA, alone or in combination, were the best barcodes for Vicia. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) also showed good performance and provided essential information regarding nuclear DNA, so this site is also recommended as a backup barcode for Vicia. These Vicia barcodes can be used to identify species and to evaluate germplasm resource collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) commonly known as Guar, is a drought and high temperature tolerant deep-rooted summer annual legume of high social and economic significance. It is used as animal feed, fodder, green manure and for extraction of gum for industrial uses. India, being the largest cluster bean producer, contributes 75-80% to the global cluster bean basket. Rajasthan is a major player by contributing 72% of total production. The expansion of uses of cluster bean to new areas has transformed cluster bean in recent years into an important export crop. Looking at the agricultural and industrial importance of this marginalized crop in Rajasthan, particularly realizing the potential in southern parts of the state, the present study attempted to analyze the present scenario of the area, production, productivity and instability analysis of cluster bean crop in Bhilwara district of the state. The area, production, and productivity of cluster bean in Bhilwara district registered positive growth rates of 18.68, 29.13 and 8.54% per annum, respectively. The coefficient of variation (CV) for the area, production, and productivity in Bhilwara district were 101.78, 127.74 and 144.36% respectively. The value of CV was high for production and yield, indicating high instability. The instability in the area was more in Bhilwara district compared to the state as a whole. Bhilwara district emerged as highest unstable and whole Rajasthan as lowest unstable in production of cluster bean during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesbania is a genus in the family Leguminosae that has been widely used by people in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia. Information about Sesbania uses and their characteristics such as chemical compounds were obtained from 233 papers, reports and books. We found evidence for 22 Sesbania species being used. They were used for human food (10 species), animal food (9), poisons (1), medicines (10), environments (8), materials (7), fuel (2) and social purposes (1). Sesbania grandiflora and S. sesban were used more than the other species. Sesbania grandiflora was the only species with uses in all categories. Sesbania sesban was used in six categories. Sesbania grandiflora had the highest number of use records in almost all categories, except for fuel in which S. sesban had more records. The aerial parts, especially the soft, young parts were consumed by both humans and animals. Some Sesbania species contained high amounts of proteins (41% of protein in S. javanica), vitamin C (145 mg/100 g in S. grandiflora) and high amounts of calcium (666 mg/100 g in S. grandiflora). Sesbania species have been used to treat 20 subcategories of human disorders, and also as veterinary medicines. Sesbania possessed 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-N-pentadecanamide, 2-hydroxy-N-decanamide, betulinic acid, isovestitol, medicarpin, oleanolic acid 3-β-D-glucuronide, pinitol, saponin, sativan, sesbanimide, stigmasterol and triterpene acid 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside for which pharmacological properties had been tested. Sesbania also has cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiurolithiatic, hypolipidemic, anticancer, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Sixteen microorganisms were found to be inhibited by Sesbania. Sesbania species are well-known for their use as green manures and seven species were recorded for this purpose. Sesbania also have properties that make them useful for pollution control. Regarding material uses, five Sesbania species were used for their fibers and Sesbania bispinosa was used in the production of fabrics. Besides the uses, Sesbania species also have other economic importance as weeds, pest host, and host for an economic plant. Eight species of Sesbania appear to have negative effects as weeds and pest-host and one species (Sesbania grandiflora) was the host for sandalwood. There was evidence that Sesbania could inhibit growth of animals and plants. Moreover, Sesbania seeds in too large doses are lethal to some animals. According to the vast advantages, the knowledge of Sesbania uses, including the safe dosages, should be passed on for the welfare of humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of Lupinus exaltatus, L. mexicanus, and L. rotundiflorus foliage as green manure in terms of total dry matter production and nitrogen (N) content was evaluated. This study was conducted from November 2015 to March 2016 in Zapopan Jalisco, México. The experiment was established in a randomized 3×7 block factorial design. Whole plants, leaves and stems were collected at different periods after sowing and analyzed for N and dry matter content. At the start of the experimental period, a slow growth was observed, based on dry matter production; however, at 93 days after sowing, both biomass and total N increased in the aerial part. The lowest and highest N content was found in L. rotundiflorus (1.2 to 4.0%). The highest dry matter and N accumulated in whole plants were found in L. exaltatus at 169 days after sowing with 21,605 and 410.6 kg ha-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The growth of summer legumes as green manures (GM) may influence the soil C pool, thereby affecting soil quality and productivity in a traditional cropping system. However, there is a lack of research on whether the inclusion of GM crops enhances the C economy under semiarid conditions. An ongoing field experiment was conducted on Cumulic Haplustoll in the northwest region of China to (i) quantify the biomass C release patterns of three GM legumes; (ii) evaluate the effect of the GM legumes on the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (0–20 cm depth), and (iii) estimate the soil C dynamics for the GM systems under semiarid conditions in more detail. The results showed that the percentages of the remaining GM C in the soil after one year of decomposition averaged 26% and 33% for the above-ground and below-ground residues, respectively. Thus, the 5-yr growth of GM legumes continuously significantly improved the SOC and easily oxidized organic carbon (EOOC) concentrations, as well as the corresponding stocks (except for soybean) (P < 0.01), compared with the original soil at the 0–20 cm depth. We estimated the annual decomposition rate of SOC as 1%, and the C added by the crops that remained in the SOC as 23% each year using the one-compartment model. The mean turnover time of the SOC at equilibrium was estimated to be 22 years, indicating that the loess soil was not C saturated and still had the potential for C sequestration. In general, Huai bean performed better on biomass production, C accumulation, and soil C sequestration than mung bean and soybean under the dryland conditions during the 5-yr period of this study. Consequently, the cultivation of leguminous GM during the summer is a better option than bare fallow to improve the soil fertility and environmental sustainability not only in the Loess Plateau of China but also in other similar dryland regions. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Green manure crops accumulated 938–1082 kg C/ha each year. • More than 220 kg C of biomass remained in the soil after one year decomposition. • Green manure crops significantly increased the original SOC stock by 5.6%. • A minimum C input of 0.68 Mg C/ha was estimated to maintain the original SOC stock. • Mean 8.8% of the SOC at topsoil was derived from the new C addition by the crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Inter-row legumes contributed up to 90 kg fixed N ha−1 in coppiced tea tree crops at four sites. • Tea tree yield loss was observed with soybean intercrops at one site. • Further study needed to quantify potential N fertiliser savings when legumes are intercropped. Abstract Legumes play a key role in maintaining soil fertility in pasture systems and when used as a rotation crop or relay crop in annual cropping systems. Little is known about the potential to integrate green manure legumes into coppiced or ratooned perennial crop systems. We trialled the cultivation and green manuring of four annual legume species in the inter-row of coppiced tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and assessed potential nitrogen (N) contributions using 15N natural abundance methodology. The yield and N uptake of tea tree crops with legumes was compared with tea tree crops amended with 5 t ha−1 (wet) poultry litter as per standard practice. At two field sites where warm-season legumes were sown in spring into coppiced tea tree stands, soybean (Glycine max) had a higher % N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) than mung beans (Vigna radiata) (82 vs 68% at Casino and 65 vs 56% at Tweed Heads) and contributed more fixed N (shoots + roots) to the soil than mung bean at both sites (91 vs 24 kg fixed N ha−1 at Casino and 61 vs 33 kg fixed N ha−1 at Tweed Heads). Where cool-season legumes were sown into tea tree stands coppiced in winter, faba bean (Vicia faba) had a higher %Ndfa than chickpea (Cicer arietinum) at Rappville (88 vs 68%). Chickpea fixed less than 10 kg N ha−1 at Rappville, while faba been fixed 36 kg N ha−1 at Rappville and 92 kg N ha−1 at Leeville. At one site (Casino) tea tree yields in the legume plots were significantly (10–15%) lower than the poultry litter plots. The nutrient content of tea tree did not differ among treatments for any measured micro- or macronutrients, and the cause of the yield loss remains unknown. Ultimately, the highest fixed-N contributions of faba bean (92 kg fixed-N ha−1 at Leeville) and soybean (91 kg fixed-N ha−1 at Casino) equated to more than the amount of N in harvested shoot of a low yielding tea tree crop (67 kg N ha−1 at Leeville) and around 2/3 the N accumulated in harvested shoots of a high yielding tea tree crop (129 kg N ha−1 at Casino). Green manure legume crops have the potential to reduce the need for external N fertiliser inputs in coppiced tree crops, but further refinement is needed to integrate legumes into current weed control systems, optimise the timing of N release from decaying legume residues, and to minimise any competition between legumes and the tree crops for water, light or nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the increasing side effects and decreasing effectiveness of synthetic drugs with time, trend has been moving towards the use of natural and safe drugs with less or no side effects and equal effective like synthetic drugs for curing diseases. So, in this view the present research has been done to investigate the antioxidant and first time the anticancer property of Sesbania aculeata. Plant belongs to legume family and is mainly grown for green manure. Extracts of different parts of the plant were prepared by using Soxhlet apparatus and methanol was used as choice of solvent. The antioxidant activity was checked by four different methods including DPPH free-radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and iron reducing power FRAP. The anticancer activity was checked by using SRB assay against the human lung cancer cell line Hop-62. Extracts of all the tested parts of Sesbania aculeata showed excellent in vitro antioxidant activity with maximum activity of about 71-76% in seed coat extract when checked with different methods. Similarly, the seeds coat extracts exhibit anticancer potential against the tested cancer cell line while other parts showed negligible activity. The results have shown that the methanolic extracts could be the source of potential antioxidant and anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining conservation tillage with legumes grown as a green manure is an increasingly popular practice for crop production in the U.S. Southern Great Plains. This study investigated interactions between system of tillage (no-till vs. conventional tillage) and source and amounts of nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 45 and 90 kg N ha–1 yr–1 in inorganic N fertilizer, and cowpea as a green manure) on radiation use efficiency, and dry matter (DM) yield of winter wheat. The study was conducted at two sites during the 2016–2017 growing season of winter wheat. Fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (fPAR) was derived by measurements of canopy spectral reflectance taken at 1–2 weeks intervals as ratio vegetation index (RVI). Total cumulative intercepted fPAR (IPAR) during the cropping period was calculated as a product of half global radiation and fPAR. Radiation use efficiency (RUE) was calculated as the ratio of biomass yield and IPAR. At both sites, N treatments had stronger influences on crop growth than tillage systems. The RVI, IPAR and DM yield were generally higher under 90-N treatments followed by 45-N treatment. Responses of cowpea and control treatments were similar and the lowest. Radiation use efficiency was not influenced by tillage systems or N treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds and Aims The genus Stylosanthes includes nitrogen-fixing and drought-tolerant species of considerable economic importance for perennial pasture, green manure and land recovery. Stylosanthes scabra is adapted to variable soil conditions, being cultivated to improve pastures and soils worldwide. Previous studies have proposed S. scabra as an allotetraploid species (2 n = 40) with a putative diploid A genome progenitor S. hamata or S. seabrana (2 n = 20) and the B genome progenitor S. viscosa (2 n = 20). We aimed to provide conclusive evidence for the origin of S. scabra. Methods We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) experiments and Illumina paired-end sequencing of S. scabra, S. hamata and S. viscosa genomic DNA, to assemble and compare complete ribosomal DNA (rDNA) units and chloroplast genomes. Plastome- and genome-wide single nucleotide variation detection was also performed. Key Results GISH and phylogenetic analyses of plastid DNA and rDNA sequences support that S. scabra is an allotetraploid formed from 0.63 to 0.52 million years ago (Mya), from progenitors with a similar genome structure to the maternal donor S. hamata and the paternal donor S. viscosa. FISH revealed a non-additive number of 35S rDNA sites in S. scabra compared with its progenitors, indicating the loss of one locus from A genome origin. In S. scabra, most 5S rDNA units were similar to S. viscosa, while one 5S rDNA site of reduced size most probably came from an A genome species as revealed by GISH and in silico analysis. Conclusions Our approach combined whole-plastome and rDNA assembly with additional cytogenetic analysis to shed light successfully on the allotetraploid origin of S. scabra. We propose a Middle Pleistocene origin for S. scabra involving species with maternal A and paternal B genomes. Our data also suggest that variation found in rDNA units in S. scabra and its progenitors reveals differences that can be explained by homogenization, deletion and amplification processes that have occurred since its origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and aims: Crucifers grown as cover crops are known to reduce sulphate leaching (S catch-crop service) and release large amounts of mineral sulphate for the subsequent cash crop once incorporated into the soil (S green-manure service). Crucifer-legume cover crop mixtures are effective to obtain high nitrogen related services, but few data exist on their performances for S-related services. Our study aimed to assess performances of a wide variety of bispecific crucifer-legume mixtures designed to provide soil S catch-crop and S green-manure services.Methods: A two-year field experiment was conducted at two sites near Toulouse, France (silt clay loam soil) and Orléans, France (sandy loam soil) in which cultivars from eight crucifer species and nine legume species were tested as sole and bispecific cover crops.Results: Crucifer-legume mixtures and crucifer sole cover crops provided the same level of S catch-crop service (12 kg S ha−1), significantly higher than that of legume sole cover crops (4 kg S ha−1). Similarly, crucifer-legume mixtures provided almost the same level of S green-manure service (5.5 kg S ha−1) as crucifer sole cover crops (6.5 kg S ha−1).Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the compatibility and complementarity of certain crucifer and legume species when grown together to provide S and N catch-crop and green-manure services. For a same cover crop species no strong cultivar effect has been highlighted in our growing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to verify the influence of the basic experimental unit (BEU) size in the estimation of the optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh matter of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) using the modified maximum curvature method. The fresh matter of sunn hemp was evaluated in uniformity trials in two sowing season in flowering. In each sowing season, 4,608 BEUs of 0.5x0.5m (0.25m²) were evaluated and 36 BEU plans were formed with sizes from 0.25 to 16m². In each evaluation period for each BEU plan, using fresh matter data, optimum plot size was estimated through the modified maximum curvature method. Estimation of the optimum plot size depends on the BEU size. Assessing fresh matter in BEUs that are as small as possible is recommended in order to use it to estimate the optimum plot size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green fertilizers (AV) are an alternative to improve the fertility and conservation of agricultural soils in semi-arid zones. For this reason, the potential of five legume species as AV in the highlands of San Luis Potosi, Mexico was evaluated. The study species were: 1) black dolichos beans (Lablab purpureos); 2) beans brown dolichos (Lablab purpureos); 3) red dolichos beans (Lablab purpureos); 4) yorimon bean (Vigna unguiculata); and 5) chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The trial was carried out under a randomized block design with three repetitions. In the stage of flowering of each species the evaluation was carried out. The variables that were measured were: biomass, carbon capture, carbon footprint, nitrogen in plant and C/N ratio. The results indicate that Dolichos red was the most outstanding in biomass production (6.5 t ha-1 ), carbon capture (2.97 t ha-1 ) and carbon footprint (-4.3 t ha-1 ). Cicer arietinum excelled in concentrating N in its tissues (2.03, 1.47 and 1.87% in aerial part, root and whole plant) and could contribute to the soil up to 83 kg ha-1 N. Cicer sp., Had the lowest C/N ratio with 24.12, which would have a faster mineralization than the other species. In conclusion, the five species have the potential to be used as AV in the study area and are an important alternative to improve agricultural soils and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Winter cover crops may provide different environmental benefits in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cover crops used as green manure on the soil nitrogen (N) budget and yield of silage maize (Zea mays L.). A field experiment was conducted between 2011 and 2013 at three locations in Vojvodina Province, Serbia. It compared common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus), their mixture grown as cover crops, N fertilisation at two doses (N1 and N2), and an unfertilised fallow as a control. Cover crops were sown in autumn 2011 and 2012 and were ploughed in during May of the year after which silage maize was sown. Results show that the ability of cover crops to provide benefit for a subsequent crop is highly related to weather conditions, mainly precipitation. The two years of the study experienced completely different weather conditions, showing two aspects of how cover crops can affect subsequent crop yield and amount of N left in the soil. In 2012, the N budget was higher in all three cover crops at all locations than N1 and the control because of unfavourable weather conditions for mineralisation of organic matter. However, the cover crops had a negative effect on silage maize yield. In 2013 (an average year), the N budget was significantly higher after cover crops, and was followed by a higher yield of silage maize. Based on the 2-year average, the highest value of apparent N remaining in the soil was recorded in the mixture treatment (288.13 kg N ha-1); treatments with vetch and triticale had approximately equal values (272.17 and 272.71 kg N ha-1). The N fertilisation treatments and the control had significantly lower average values of residual N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops constitute one of the most promising agronomic practices towards a more sustainable agriculture. Their beneficial effects on main crops, soil and environment are many and various, while risks and disadvantages may also appear. Several legumes show a high potential but further research is required in order to suggest the optimal legume cover crops for each case in terms of their productivity and ability to suppress weeds. The additional cost associated with cover crops should also be addressed and in this context the use of grain legumes such as cowpea, faba bean and pea could be of high interest. Some of the aspects of these grain legumes as far as their use as cover crops, their genetic diversity and their breeding using conventional and molecular approaches are discussed in the present review. The specific species seem to have a high potential for use as cover crops, especially if their noticeable genetic diversity is exploited and their breeding focuses on several desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes represent an important N source in organic vegetable rotations. Since the amount of N2fixed as well as N mineralisation from legume biomass are highly variable, N availability does often not match the requirements of following crops. The production of grain legume seeds followed by their temporary storage and application as N fertilizer may represent a flexible and controllable alternative to traditional legume green manures. In two field experiments, narrow-leaved lupine was investigated as N source for subsequent white cabbage and beetroot and was compared to two grass-clover treatments, in which cut herbage was either removed from the sward or remained as mulch. Symbiotic N2fixation was highest for cut grass-clover, averaging about 350 kg ha−1. Mulching reduced N2fixation by on average 57%. Lupine N2fixation was largely comparable to that of mulched grass-clover swards. Net N mineralisation from grass-clover residues within the year of their incorporation was positively related to the percentage of clover (R2 = 0.93). Application of coarsely milled lupine seeds on plots previously cropped with lupines resulted in an N supply for cabbage being higher or equal to that after mulched grass-clover. Residual effects on the N supply for beetroot, grown in the third rotational year following white cabbage, averaged −2 and 28 kg N ha−1for lupine and grass-clover, respectively. In conclusion, lupines may provide a highly flexible N source alternative to frequently mulched grass-clover swards. Further attention should be directed towards the utilization of cut forage legume herbage as mobile N source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nordic conditions, soils are frozen during winter, affecting the decomposition rates of crop residues. Hence, the decomposition rates of above- and underground biomass and the dynamics of the N and C released into the soil were studied in trials focused on green manure crops. The decomposition of the residue and N release from the residue varied among the five species of legume tested. There was a marked difference in decomposition rates between shoots and roots, which may also be explained by the differences in the chemical composition of the residue. The shoot residue decomposes rapidly and it serves as a source of N for the subsequent crop. The root residue decomposes more slowly and this had a positive effect in a crop rotation in the second year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-cycle crops use part of the N from green manure fertilization, while the remainder continues to be available for the subsequent ones. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the N use efficiency of sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae) in the sequential cropping of Brassica oleracea var. italica (Brassicaceae) followed by zucchini, Cucurbita pepo L. (Cucurbitaceae). Three doses of C. juncea green manure 3, 6, and 9 t ha −1 were evaluated, each one added with 12 t ha −1 of organic compost. The N use efficiency was based on the 15 N isotope dilution technique. The total N accumulated in the shoots of broccoli and zucchini with the highest dose of C. juncea was 78.25 and 70.42 kg ha −1 , respectively. The green manure-N recovery efficiency and quantity with the highest doses of C. juncea in broccoli were 74.39 and 47.42 kg ha −1 and in zucchini 58.82 and 31.95 kg ha −1 , respectively. The green manure-N supplied 28.50% of N for broccoli and 16.22% for zucchini. The N residual effect from C. juncea green manure is enough to provide for the cultivation of at least two vegetable crops — broccoli followed by zucchini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leguminous pre-crops are an important source of green manure in organic crop rotations for improving soil fertility and achieving high yields of cereals. We aimed to study the potential of various leguminous species, other than the traditionally cultivated red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), as green manure pre-crops for subsequent cereals. The use of different legume species enables to exploit advantages of specific legumes in organic cereal production. In order to test the legumes as pre-crops for cereals, we carried out trials located in the temperate climate zone of northeast Europe (58°44'59.41'' N, 26°24'54.02'' E). We sowed the following perennial legumes as pre-crops: red clover, alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.) and Washington lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.), biennial white sweet clover (Melilotus albus Medik.) and annual Alexandria clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.). Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) was used as a control. The leguminous pre-crops were followed by three spring cereals (barley, oat and spring wheat) and two winter cereals (rye and winter wheat). We tested the first-year after-effect (all cereals) and second-year aftereffect (only barley and oat) of pre-crops on the grain yield of cereals. Perennial and biennial legume species produced the highest dry matter yield and contained the highest amount of nutrients, especially nitrogen, compared to annual species. All subsequent cereals produced significant extra yields after each leguminous pre-crop in the following two years, although the effect was smaller in the second year. The most suitable pre-crops for spring cereals were red and alsike clover followed by lupine, whereas the best pre-crops for winter cereals were sweet clover and annual clovers. Our results show the potential of various leguminous precrop species as valuable sources of green manure in organic crop rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop rotation and nitrogen (N) fertilization can influence soil N cycling, however, less is known about their interactive effects under varying soil and climatic conditions. We examined the interactive effects of preceding crops and N fertilizer rates on soil N cycling in canola ( Brassica napus L.) and spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems in no-till soils in the Canadian prairies. Field pea ( Pisum sativum L.), lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik), faba bean ( Vicia faba L.; faba bean-seed), canola and wheat grown for grain, and faba bean green manure (faba bean-GRM) were the preceding crops and were direct-seeded at 7 and 6 locations in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Canola and wheat were seeded in 2010 and 2011 (2012 for wheat at one site), respectively with N fertilizer applied at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha −1 . Above-ground residue N returned was greatest for faba bean-GRM and lowest for canola and wheat. On average across sites, apparent in-crop N mineralization (ANM) under canola was greater following faba bean-GRM than all other preceding crops, except field pea, while under wheat, ANM was greater following all the legumes than following canola and wheat. Crop N uptake increased with N fertilizer rate, but the response was generally lower following faba bean-GRM and lentil. The N budget showed that 40–65% of crop N uptake (35–100% at highest ANM site) was possibly derived from ANM, more so following legumes, as compared to 35–60% from N fertilizer. The surplus and unaccounted N were particularly pronounced when canola and wheat were preceded by legumes rather than by canola or wheat. Our findings indicate that legumes can enhance soil N supply in no-till soils, and also highlight the importance of adjusting N fertilizer rates based on preceding crops to minimize the potential for N losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of leguminous green manure to incorporate significant amounts of nutrientes into the soil makes them excellent alternatives for the region agriculture systems. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of six leguminous species (Crotalaria juncea, Canavalia ensiformes, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria spectabilis, Dolichos lab lab and Mucuna deeringiana) as green manure in an area of the Jaguaribe-Apodi agricultural region, CE, Brazil. The experiments were carried out under field conditions in a randomized block design with five replications. Sampling of biomass of shoots was carried out 78 days after sowing on each plot. It was determined the total biomass and nutrients accumulation in the plants that grew in the plots (leguminous and weeds). We concluded that the use of Crotalaria juncea showed up as the most promising treatment in terms of biomass production and nutrient accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive application of N fertilizer in pursuit of higher yields is common due to poor soil fertility and low crop productivity. However, this practice causes serious soil depletion and N loss in the traditional wheat cropping system in the Loess Plateau of China. Growing summer legumes as the green manure (GM) crop is a viable solution because of its unique ability to fix atmospheric N 2 . Actually, little is known about the contribution of GM N to grain and N utilization in the subsequent crop. Therefore, we conducted a four-year field experiment with four winter wheat-based rotations (summer fallow-wheat, Huai bean–wheat, soybean–wheat, and mung bean–wheat) and four nitrogen fertilizer rates applied to wheat (0, 108, 135, and 162 kg N/ha) to investigate the fate of GM nitrogen via decomposition, utilization by wheat, and contribution to grain production and nitrogen economy through GM legumes. Here we showed that GM legumes accumulated 53–76 kg N/ha per year. After decomposing for approximately one year, more than 32 kg N/ha was released from GM legumes. The amount of nitrogen released via GM decomposition that was subsequently utilized by wheat was 7–27 kg N/ha. Incorporation of GM legumes effectively replaced 13–48% (average 31%) of the applied mineral nitrogen fertilizer. Additionally, the GM approach during the fallow period reduced the risk of nitrate-N leaching to depths of 0–100 cm and 100–200 cm by 4.8 and 19.6 kg N/ha, respectively. The soil nitrogen pool was effectively improved by incorporation of GM legumes at the times of wheat sowing. Cultivation of leguminous GM during summer is a better option than bare fallow to maintain the soil nitrogen pool, and decrease the rates required for N fertilization not only in the Loess Plateau of China but also in other similar dryland regions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic N fertilizers are important to continuous systems of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.) in the U.S. southern Great Plains (SGP). Costs have increased in recent years and resulted in producers considering summer-grown legumes as green N sources. This study (2008-2012) defined effects of lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet 'Rio Verde'] cover crops on subsequent forage production by wheat under conventional and no-till management, compared to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. 'Laredo'], two inorganic fertilizer rates (40; 80 kg N ha-1yr-1), and unfertilized controls. Inoculated legume seeds were sown annually aft er wheat harvest, grown during June to August, and terminated in early-September. Wheat was sown late-September and samples collected at four growth stages through maturity. Wheat forage (kg ha-1), N concentration (g kg-1) and N accumulated (kg N ha-1) in forage were analyzed to define treatment, tillage, growth stage, and year effects. Precipitation was 53 to 92% of long-term average (LTA) for the wheat growing (October-May) period (1977-2012; 688 mm). Treatment x year interaction was significant (P < 0.01) for biomass, N concentration, and N accumulated in forage. Treatment effects on forage production varied among years; response to legume treatments were ≤ control. Response of N concentration and N accumulated in forage under legume treatments were largely ≤ control; responses to all treatments declined with length of study. Neither legume was an effective N source for forage production by continuous wheat systems in the SGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent volatility in supplies and prices of natural gas and synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer suggests a need to develop and refine alternative strategies for supplying N to corn. In this study, conducted in north-eastern Iowa, we examined the use of red clover and alfalfa green manures as means of supplying N to a succeeding corn crop. Red clover intercropped with oat produced significantly more biomass and contained more N than alfalfa intercropped with oat. Tilling green manures in the fall or delaying tillage until the following spring did not have a consistent effect on green manure N content. Without N fertilizer, corn grain yield following oat–red clover and oat–alfalfa was 25–63% greater than following oat grown alone, but at the highest fertilizer rate (202 kg N ha−1), there was no difference in corn yield between oat–legume and oat-alone treatments. These patterns support the premise that legume green manure effects on corn yield were N-related. Red clover green manure had an N fertilizer replacement value for corn of 87–184 kg N ha−1; alfalfa supplied corn with the equivalent of 70–121 kg N ha−1. At a fossil energy cost for N fertilizer of 57 MJ kg−1 N, reducing synthetic N fertilizer applications to corn by 70–184 kg N ha−1 would represent a fossil fuel savings of 3990–10,488 MJ ha−1, equivalent to the energy content of 104–274 m3 of natural gas. These types of savings are likely to become increasingly important as fossil energy supplies become scarcer and fertilizer prices rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]