Growth,Nutrient Uptake,and Use Efficiency in Dry Bean in Tropical Upland Soil

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. ‘BRS Requinte’) is an important legume crop and nutrient availability is one of the most yields limiting factors for bean production in tropical upland soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Brazilian Oxisol to study growth, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients during growth cycle of bean plant. Plants were harvested at 15, 30, 45, 60, 73, and 99 days after sowing for determination of growth parameters and uptake of nutrients. Root dry weight, shoot dry weight and leaf trifoliate increased significantly (P< 0.01) in a quadratic fashion with the advancement of plant age. However, root-shoot ratio decreased significantly with increasing plant age. Concentrations of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) decreased with the advancement of plant age. However, concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) increased significantly with the advancement of plant age. Accumulation of macro- and micronutrients significantly increased with the increasing plant age. Accumulation of N, P, K and Cu was higher in the grain compared with root and shoot, indicating relatively higher importance of these nutrients in improving grain yield of dry bean. Nitrogen, P and Cu use efficiency was higher for shoot weight compared to grain weight. For grain production, nutrient use efficiency was in the order of Mg > Ca > P > K > N for macronutrients and Cu > Zn = Mn for micronutrients.     

Root Growth,Nutrient Uptake,and Nutrient-Use Efficiency by Roots of Tropical Legume Cover Crops as Influenced by Phosphorus Fertilization

Roots are important organs that supply water and nutrients to growing plants. Data related to root growth and nutrient uptake by tropical legume cover crops are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate root growth of tropical legume cover crops and nutrient uptake and use efficiency under different phosphorus (P) levels. The P levels used were 0 (low), 100 (medium), and 200 (high) mg kg^?1 of soil, and five cover crops were evaluated. Root dry weight, maximum root length, and specific root length were significantly influenced by P and cover crop treatments. Maximum values of these root growth parameters were achieved with the addition of 100 mg P kg^?1 soil. The P?×?cover crops interactions for all the macro- and micronutrients, except manganese (Mn), were significant, indicating variation in uptake pattern of these nutrients by cover crops with the variation in P rates. Overall, uptake pattern of macronutrients was in the order of nitrogen (N) > calcium (Ca) > potassium (K) > magnesium (Mg) > P and micronutrient uptake pattern was in the order of iron (Fe) > Mn > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). Cover crops which produced maximum root dry weight also accumulated greater amount of nutrients, including N, compared to cover crops, which produced lower root dry weight. Greater uptake of N compared to other nutrients by cover crops indicated that use of cover crops in the cropping systems could reduce loss of nitrate (NO₃ ^?) from soil–plant systems. Increase in root length and root dry weight with the addition of P can improve nutrient uptake from the soil and lessen loss of macro- and micronutrients from the soil–plant systems.     

Soil Phosphorous Influence on Growth and Nutrition of Tropical Legume Cover Crops in Acidic Soil

In tropical regions, use of cover crops in crop production is an important strategy in maintaining sustainability of cropping systems. Phosphorus (P) deficiency in tropical soils is one of the most yield-limiting factors for successful production of cover crops. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of P on growth and nutrient uptake in 14 tropical cover crops. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol, and P levels used were low (0 mg P kg^?1), medium (100 mg P kg^?1) and high (200 mg P kg^?1). There was a significant influence of P and cover crop treatments on plant growth parameters. Phosphorus X cover crops interaction for shoot dry weight, root dry weight and root length was significant, indicating different responses of cover crops to variable P levels. Based on shoot dry weight efficiency index (SDEI), legume species were classified into efficient, moderately efficient or inefficient groups. Overall, white jack bean, gray mucuna bean, mucuna bean ana and black mucuna bean were most P efficient. Remaining species were inefficient in P utilization. Macro- and micronutrient concentrations (content per unit dry weight of tops) as well as uptakes (concentration x dry weight of tops) were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by P as well as crop species treatments, except magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. The P x crop species interactions were significant for concentration and uptake of all the macro and micronutrients analyzed in the plant tissues, indicating concentrations and uptake of some nutrients increased while others decreased with increasing P levels. Hence, there was an antagonistic as well as synergetic effect of P on uptake of nutrients. However, uptake of all the macro and micronutrients increased with increasing P levels, indicating increase in dry weight of crop species with increasing P levels. Overall, nutrient concentration and uptake in the top of crop species were in the order of nitrogen (N) > potassium (K) > calcium (Ca) > Mg > sulfur (S) > P for macronutrients and iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) for micronutrients. Interspecific differences in shoot and root growth and nutrient uptake were observed at varying soil P levels     

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN DRY BEAN GENOTYPES

Dry bean is an important legume crop for Latin American people and nitrogen is one of the most yields limiting nutrients for bean crop. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate nitrogen (N) use efficiency of 20 dry bean genotypes. Genotypes were grown on an Oxisol and two N levels used were without N application (low level) and an application of 400 mg N kg^?1 (high level). Shoot dry weight, grain yield and yield components, N concentration and uptake in shoot and grain were significantly affected by N and genotype treatments. Grain yield had a highly significant (P < 0.01) association with shoot dry weight, pod number, grains per pod and 100 grain weight. Among the 20 genotypes tested, Perola, CNFR 7847, CNFR 7865, CNFP 7777 and CNFM 6911 were found to produce reasonably good yield at low N rate as well as responded well to applied N. Whereas, some genotypes like BRS Radiante, CNFP 7624, CNFM 7875, CNFM 7886, CNFC 7813, CNFC 7827, CNFP 7677 and CNFP 7775 produced very good yields at higher N rate but very low yields at lower N rate. Hence, these genotypes are good for farmers using higher technology. Nitrogen concentration and uptake were higher in dry bean grains compared with shoot and 63% of N accumulated at zero N rate and 75% N accumulated at 400 mg N rate were translocated to grain across 20 genotypes. Nitrogen uptake efficiencies were having highly significant (P < 0.01) quadratic relationship with grain yield. This indicates that improving N uptake in dry bean plants can increase grain yield.     

Nutrient Uptake in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption in South America. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate uptake and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients by six dry bean genotypes at two P levels (25 and 200 mg kg^?1 soil). Shoot dry weight and grain yield varied significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with increasing phosphorus (P) levels. Grain harvest index (GHI) and 100-grain weight also differ significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with the increasing P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient and inefficient. The most efficient genotype was CNFP 10104, and inefficient genotypes were CNFP 10103 and CNFP 10120. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod increased significantly with the addition of 200 mg P kg^?1 of soil compared to the low level of P (25 mg P kg^?1). Similarly, nitrogen (N), P, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations and uptake in the shoot and grain also significantly varied among genotypes. Uptake of macro- and micronutrients was greater under the greater P rate compared to the low P rate. This may be related to greater shoot or grain yield at 200 mg P kg^?1 soil compared to 25 mg P kg^?1 of soil.     

Influence of pH on Productivity,Nutrient Use Efficiency by Dry Bean,and Soil Phosphorus Availability in a No‐Tillage System

Abstract

Low pH is one of the most yield‐limiting factors for crop production in Cerrado soils. The objective of this study was to determine influence of soil pH on grain yield and its components, and use of nutrients by dry bean in a no‐tillage system in an Oxisol (Typic Haplorthox) of the Cerrado region of Brazil. Five field experiments were conducted for three consecutive years. The pH levels were low (5.3), medium (6.4), and high (6.8), created by applying lime at the rates of 0, 12, and 24 Mg ha^?1. Grain yield and its components were significantly influenced by soil pH. Adequate pH for grain yield and its components was 6.4. Maximum variation in grain yield was measured by shoot dry weight, and minimum variation was due to 100‐grain weight. Nutrient utilization efficiency was in the order of magnesium (Mg) > phosphorus (P) > calcium (Ca) > potassium (K) > nitrogen (N) > copper (Cu) > manganese (Mn) > zinc (Zn) > iron (Fe). Soil extractable P increased linearly with increasing pH in the range of 5.3 to 7.3. These results show that adequate soil pH is an important soil acidity index in improving bean yield in Brazilian Oxisols.     

Yield and Yield Components of Dry Bean Genotypes as Influenced by Phosphorus Fertilization

Dry bean is an important legume for South American population, and phosphorus (P) deficiency is the most yield-limiting nutrient for crop production in South American soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating influence of P fertilization on grain yield and yield components of 30 dry bean genotypes. The P levels used were 0 mg P kg^?1 (natural level of the soil) and 200 mg P kg^?1 applied with triple superphosphate fertilizer. Yield and yield components were significantly influenced with P as well as genotype treatments. The P?×?genotype interactions were significant for yield as well as yield components, indicating different responses of genotypes at two P levels. Root dry weight and maximum root length were also significantly increased with the addition of P fertilization. There were also significant differences among the genotypes in the growth of root system. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as P efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient. Among 30 genotypes, 17 were classified as efficient, 12 were classified as moderately efficient, and 1 was classified as inefficient. Yield components such as pods per plant and seeds per pod were having significant positive association with grain yield. In addition, grain harvest index (GHI) was also having significant linear association with grain yield. Hence, it is possible to improve grain yield of dry bean in Brazilian Oxisol with the addition of adequate rate of P fertilization as well as use of P-efficient genotypes.     

Growth of Tropical Legume Cover Crops as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization and Rhizobia

Tropical legume cover crops are important components in cropping systems because of their role in improving soil quality. Information is limited on the influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization on growth of tropical legume cover crops grown on Oxisols. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of N fertilization with or without rhizobial inoculation on growth and shoot efficiency index of 10 important tropical cover crops. Nitrogen treatment were (i) 0 mg N kg^?1 (control or N₀), (ii) 0 mg N kg^?1 + inoculation with Bradyrhizobial strains (N₁), (iii) 100 mg N kg^?1 + inoculation with Bradyrhizobial strains (N₂), and (iv) 200 mg N kg^?1 of soil (N₃). The N?×?cover crops interactions were significant for shoot dry weight, root dry weight, maximal root length, and specific root length, indicating that cover crop performance varied with varying N rates and inoculation treatments. Shoot dry weight is considered an important growth trait in cover crops and, overall, maximal shoot dry weight was produced at 100 mg N kg^?1 + inoculation treatment. Based on shoot dry-weight efficiency index, cover crops were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in N-use efficiency. Overall, the efficient cover crops were lablab, gray velvet bean, jack bean, and black velvet bean and inefficient cover crops were pueraria, calopo, crotalaria, smooth crotalaria, and showy crotalaria. Pigeonpea was classified as moderately efficient in producing shoot dry weight.     

Screening Upland Rice Genotypes for Manganese‐use Efficiency

Manganese (Mn) deficiency in upland rice grown after common bean or soybean, which received adequate rate of liming on highly weathered Oxisols, is observed. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate Mn‐use efficiency of 10 promising upland rice genotypes. The genotypes were grown on an Oxisol at 0 mg Mn kg^?1 (natural soil Mn level) and 20 mg Mn kg^?1 of soil applied as manganese sulfate. Grain yield, panicle number, and grain harvest index (GHI) were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by genotype. However, shoot dry weight was significantly affected by Mn as well as genotype treatments. Manganese uptake in the shoot as well as in the grain was also affected by genotype treatment. On the basis of Mn‐use efficiency (mg grain weight/mg Mn accumulated in shoot and grain), genotypes were classified as efficient and responsive (ER), efficient and nonresponsive (ENR), nonefficient and responsive (NER), and nonefficient and nonresponsive (NENR). Genotypes Carisma, CNA8540, and IR42 were classified as ER, and genotypes CNA8557 and Maravilha were classified as ENR. Genotype Caipo was in the group NER, and in the NENR group were genotypes Bonança, Canastra, Caraja, and Guarani. From a practical point of view, genotypes that produce high grain yield at a low level of Mn and respond well to Mn additions are the most desirable because they are able to express their high yield potential in a wide range of Mn availability.     

Root growth,nutrient uptake and use efficiency by roots of tropical legume cover crops as influenced by phosphorus fertilization

The root is an important organ which supplies water and nutrients to growing plants. Data related to root growth and nutrient uptake by tropical legume cover crops are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate root growth of tropical legume cover crops and nutrient uptake and use efficiency under different phosphorus (P) levels. The P levels used were 0 (low), 100 (medium) and 200 (high) mg kg^?1 of soil and 5 cover crops were evaluated. Root dry weight, maximum root length, specific root length were significantly influenced by P and cover crop treatments. Maximum values of these root growth parameters were achieved with the addition of 100 mg P kg^?1 soil. The P X cover crops interaction for all the macro and micronutrients, except manganese (Mn) was significant, indicating variation in uptake pattern of these nutrients by cover crops with the variation in P rates. Overall, uptake pattern of macronutrients was in the order of nitrogen>calcium>potassium>magnesium>phosphorus (N > Ca > K > Mg > P) and micronutrient uptake pattern was in the order of iron>manganese>zinc>copper (Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu). Cover crops which produced maximum root dry weight also accumulated higher amount of nutrients, including N compared to cover crops which produced lower root dry weight. Higher uptake of N compared to other nutrients by cover crops indicated that use of cover crops in the cropping systems can reduce loss of nitrate (NO₃^?) from soil-plant systems. Increase in root length and root dry weight with the addition of P can improve nutrient uptake from the soil and less loss of macro and micronutrients from the soil-plant systems.     

LOWLAND RICE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE DURING GROWTH CYCLE

Rice is a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population and the majority of the global rice is produced from a lowland ecosystem. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to study lowland rice (cv. ‘BRSGO Guara’) growth, development, and nutrient uptake patterns during growth cycle. Growth observations and plant analysis were performed at initiation of tillering (IT), active tillering (AT), panicle initiation (PI), booting (B), flowering (F) and physiological maturity (PM). Plant height, number of leaves per culm, number of tillers per plant and maximum root length and root dry weight increased in a quadratic fashion with increasing plant age. Similarly, shoot dry weight increased linearly during growth cycle of the cultivar ‘BRSGO Guara’. Concentration and accumulation of most of the macronutrients and micronutrients responded with a quadratic trend with the advancement of plant age. Plant growth parameters were significantly associated with shoot dry weight plus grain yield. Similarly, nutrient accumulation had a significant correlation with shoot dry weight plus grain yield, which indicated the importance of these nutrients in the lowland rice production.     

YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF UPLAND RICE AS INFLUENCED BY NITROGEN SOURCES

Ammonium sulfate and urea are main sources of nitrogen (N) for annual crop production in developing countries. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted using ammonium sulfate and urea as N sources for upland rice grown on a Brazilian Oxisol. The N rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 3000, and 400 kg N kg^?1 of soil. Yield and yield components were significantly increased in a quadratic fashion with increasing N rate. Ammonium sulfate X urea interaction was significant for grain yield, shoot dry matter yield, panicle number, plant height and root dry weight, indicating a different response magnitude of these plant parameters to two sources of N. Based on regression equation, maximum grain yield was achieved with the application of 380 mg N kg^?1 by ammonium sulfate and 271 mg N kg^?1 by urea. Grain yield and yield components were reduced at higher rates of urea (>300 mg kg N) but these plant parameters’ responses to ammonium sulfate at higher rates was constant. In the intermediate N rate range (125 to 275 mg kg^?1), urea was slightly better compared to ammonium sulfate for grain yield. Grain yield was significantly related with plant height, shoot dry weight, panicle number, grain harvest index and root dry weight. Hence, improving these plant characteristics by using appropriate soil and plant management practices can improve upland rice yield.     

Influence of Nitrogen on Growth,Yield, and Yield Components and Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume and nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors in most of the bean-growing regions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to determine influence of N on growth, yield, and yield components and N uptake and use efficiency of 23 dry bean genotypes. Straw yield, grain yield, yield components, maximum root length, and root dry weight were significantly increased with the addition of N but varied with genotypes. The N × genotype interactions were also significant for most of these traits, indicating variation in responses of genotypes with the variation in N levels. There was significant difference in N uptake and use efficiency among genotypes. Most of growth and yield components were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient, or inefficient group in N-use efficiency. Nitrogen concentration was greater in grain compared to straw, indicating greater N requirement of dry bean genotypes.     

Dry Matter and Yield of Lowland Rice Genotypes as Influence by Nitrogen Fertilization

ABSTRACT

Rice is a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population and nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield limiting nutrients in lowland rice ecosystems. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate dry matter production and grain yield of 12 lowland rice genotypes (BRS Jaçanã, CNAi 8860, BRS Fronteira, CNAi 8879, CNAi 8880, CNAi 8886, CNAi 8885, CNAi 8569, BRSGO Guará, BRS Alvorada, BRS Jaburu, and BRS Biguá) at five N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha^{? 1}). Genotypes showed significant variation in grain yield and shoot dry weight. Genotype BRSGO Guará was highest yielding, whereas genotype BRS Jaburu was lowest yielding and the remaining genotypes were intermediate in grain yielding potential. Grain yield and shoot dry weight were having significant quadratic increase with increasing N rates in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha^{? 1}. However, 90% of the maximum yield is often considered as an economical rate, which was 120 kg for shoot dry weight and 136 kg N ha^{? 1} for grain yield. Shoot dry matter was having significant positive quadratic association with grain yield across 12 genotypes.     

Yield and Yield Components and Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Lowland Rice Genotypes

Phosphorus deficiency is main constraints for lowland rice production in various rice producing regions of the world. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using lowland (Inceptisol) soil with the objective to determine response of seven lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes to phosphorus fertilization and to evaluate their phosphorus (P) use efficiency. Phosphorus treatments included control (0 mg P kg^?1) and 200 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Plant height and shoot dry weight were significantly (P < 0.001) influenced by P treatments. Phosphorus X genotypes interaction was significant for shoot dry weight, indicating different response of genotypes under two P levels. At low P level, none of the genotypes produced grain yield, indicating original P level in the soil was too low for lowland rice yield. However, genotypes differed significantly in grain yield at high P level. Panicle number, panicle length, and thousand grains weight had a significant quadratic association with grain yield. However, spikelet sterility had a significant linear negative association with grain yield. The P use efficiency expressed as agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), agro-physiological efficiency (AP), apparent recovery efficiency (ARE), and utilization (UE) were significantly different among genotypes. These efficiencies were having significantly positive association with grain yield, with exception to ARE, indicating improving grain yield with improved P use efficiencies in rice.     

Yield,Potassium Uptake,and Use Efficiency in Upland Rice Genotypes

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for higher plants. Information on K uptake and use efficiency of upland rice under Brazilian conditions is limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate influence of K on yield, K uptake, and use efficiency of six upland rice genotypes grown on Brazilian Oxisol. The K rate used was zero (natural soil level) and 200 mg K kg^–1 of soil. Shoot dry weight and grain yield were significantly influenced by K level and genotype treatments. However, K × genotype interactions were not significant, indicating similar responses of genotypes at two K levels for shoot dry weight and grain yield. Genotypes produced grain yield in the order of BRS Primavera > BRA 01596 > BRSMG Curinga > BRS 032033 > BRS Bonança > BRA 02582. Potassium concentration in shoot was about sixfold greater compared to grain, across two K levels and six genotypes. However, K utilization efficiency ratio (KUER) (mg shoot or grain yield / mg K uptake in shoot or root) was about 6.5 times greater in grain compared to shoot, across two K level and six genotypes. Potassium uptake in shoot and grain and KUER were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. Soil calcium (Ca), K, base saturation, acidity saturation, Ca saturation, K saturation, Ca/K ratio, and magnesium (Mg)/K ratio were significantly influenced by K application rate.     

Differential Soil Acidity Tolerance of Dry Bean Genotypes

Soil acidity is a major yield-limiting factors for bean production in the tropical regions. Using soil acidity–tolerant genotypes is an important strategy in improving bean yields and reducing cost of production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating 20 dry bean genotypes for their tolerance to soil acidity constraints. An Inceptisol soil was amended with dolomitic lime (2 g dolomitic lime kg^–1 soil) to achieve low acidity (pH = 5.9) and without lime (zero lime kg^–1 soil,) to achieve high acidity (pH = 4.8) levels to evaluate bean genotypes. At both acidity levels, genotypes differed significantly in shoot dry weight and grain yield. Shoot dry weight and grain yield were significantly decreased at the high acidity level compared to the low acidity level. Grain yield was more sensitive to soil acidity than shoot dry weight. Hence, grain yield was used in determination of tolerance index (GTI) to differentiate the range of soil acidity tolerance among bean genotypes. Based on a GTI value, 55% of the genotypes were classified as tolerant, 40% classified as moderately tolerant, and the remaining were grouped as susceptible to soil acidity. The genotype CNFC 10410 was most tolerant and genotype CNFP 10120 was most susceptible to soil acidity. Number of pods and grain harvest index were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. The improvement in grain yield in low acidity may be related to reduction of toxic levels of soil aluminum (Al³⁺) and hydrogen (H⁺) ions by lime addition. At harvest, soil extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) increased with the reduction of soil acidity, and this might have contributed to the better nutrition of beans and lead to higher growth.     

Yield Physiology of Dry Bean

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food legume for the world population. However, its average yield is low worldwide. The main reasons for low yield are biotic and abiotic stresses. Maximum economic yield of a crop can be achieved with appropriate balance between plant and environmental factors during crop growth cycle. Adopting appropriate management practices in favor of high yields can modify some of these factors. Hence, knowledge of yield physiology of dry bean is important for understanding yield formation components during crop growth and development and consequently improving yield. Dry bean growth cycle is divided into vegetative and reproductive growth stages. During vegetative stage, development of roots, trifoliate, node, and branches take place. Main features of reproductive growth stage are flowering, pod and grain formation. Important plant traits associated with yield are root and shoot dry matter yield, pod number, 100 grain weight, leaf area index, grain harvest index, and nitrogen harvest index. These plant traits are genetically controlled and also influenced by soil and plant management practices. Higher yield is possible only when there is an adequate balance among various physiological processes or yield components. The objective of this review is to discuss growth and development of bean plant including yield formation process or traits during crop growth cycle and importance of these yield components in determining yield.     

Macronutrient-Use Efficiency and Changes in Chemical Properties of an Oxisol as Influenced by Phosphorus Fertilization and Tropical Cover Crops

Cover crops are important components of copping systems due to their beneficial effects on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of phosphorus (P) fertilization on nutrient-use efficiency of 14 tropical cover crops. The P levels tested were 0 (low), 100 (medium), and 200 (high) mg kg^?1 of soil. The cover crops tested were Crotalaria breviflora, Crotalaria breviflora, Crotalaria spectabilis Roth, Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don, Crotalaria juncea L., Crotalaria mucronata, Calapogonium mucunoides, Pueraria phaseoloides Roxb., Pueraria phaseoloides Roxb., Cajanus cajan L. Millspaugh, Dolichos lablab L., Mucuna deeringiana (Bort) Merr., Mucuna cinereum L., and Canavalia ensiformis L. DC. Agronomic efficiency (shoot dry weight per unit P applied), physiological efficiency (shoot dry weight per unit of nutrient uptake), and apparent recovery efficiency (nutrient uptake in the shoot per unit nutrient applied) were significantly varied among cover crops. Agronomic efficiency decreased with increasing P levels. Overall, physiological efficiency of nutrient uptake was in the order of P > sulfur (S) > magnesium (Mg) > calcium (Ca) > potassium (K) > nitrogen (N). Similarly, apparent recovery efficiency was in the order of N > K > Ca > Mg > P > S. Different recovery efficiency in cover crops can be useful in selecting cover crops with high recovery efficiency, which may be beneficial to succeeding crops in the cropping systems. The P × cover crops interactions were significant for soil extractable Ca²⁺, P, cation exchange capacity (CEC), Ca saturation, Ca/K ratio, and K/Mg ratio, indicating that cover crops change these soil property differently under different P levels. Thus, cover crops selection for different P levels is an important strategy for using cover crops in cropping systems in Brazilian Oxisols. Optimal values of soil pH, soil Ca and Mg contents, hydrogen (H) + aluminum (Al), P, CEC, base saturation, Ca saturation, Mg saturation, and K saturation were established for tropical cover crops grown on an Oxisol.     

NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND USE EFFICIENCY BY TROPICAL LEGUME COVER CROPS AT VARYING PH OF AN OXISOL

Oxisols comprise large soil group in tropical America. These soils are acidic and have low fertility. Use of tropical legume cover crops in cropping systems is an important strategy to improve fertility of these soils for sustainable crop production. Data are limited on nutrient uptake and use efficiency of tropical cover crops under different acidity levels. The objective of our study was to evaluate growth and nutrient uptake parameters of sixteen tropical legume cover crops under three soil pH (5.1, 6.5, and 7.0) of an Oxisol. Shoot dry weight was influenced significantly by pH and cover crop treatments and their interactions, indicating that cover crops used had differential responses to changing soil pH levels. Overall, shoot dry weight decreased when soil pH was raised from 5.1 to 7.0, indicating acidity tolerance of cover crops. Nutrient concentration (content per unit of dry weight), uptake (concentration X dry weight), and nutrient use efficiency (dry weight of shoot per unit of nutrient uptake) varied significantly among cover crops. The variation in nutrient uptake and use efficiency among cover crop species was associated with variation in shoot dry matter production. Significant variation among crop species in dry matter production and low C/N ratios (average value of 14.25) suggest that cover crops which produced higher dry matter yield like white jack bean, gray mucuna bean, black mucuna bean, mucuna bean ana, and lablab are important choices for planting in tropical soils to recover large amount of macro and micronutrients, and to prevent such nutrient leaching in soil plant systems.