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Contribution of red alder to soil nitrogen input in a silvopastoral system.
- Source :
-
Biology & Fertility of Soils . Aug2007, Vol. 43 Issue 6, p843-848. 6p. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Abstract  Studies on Alnus rubra Bong. (red alder) were carried out to assess its potential for use as a component of a silvopastoral system. Comparison was between two treatments: red alder at 400 stems haâ1 (silvopasture) and red alder at 2,500 stems haâ1 (forestry control). δ15N values close to zero were recorded in all red alder plant parts except for root nodules, indicating that a large proportion of N in red alder was fixed from the atmosphere. Overall, it was estimated that there was 63.45 kg N haâ1 fixed N accumulated in red alder trees, and the rate of N fixation was estimated at 30.95 kg haâ1 yearâ1 in the silvopasture treatment. The total amount of N that could potentially be added to the soil in the silvopasture treatment as a result of decomposition of senescent leaves, roots, and dead nodules was estimated at 40.56 kg haâ1 yearâ1. Of the total N added to the soil, 27.1 kg haâ1 yearâ1 was due to N fixation from the atmosphere. These results show that red alder has a potential to improve and maintain soil fertility in a silvopastoral system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *RED alder
*NITROGEN in soils
*AGROFORESTRY systems
*NITROGEN & the environment
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01782762
- Volume :
- 43
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Biology & Fertility of Soils
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25726230
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-006-0163-9