The roles of salt (sodium nitrate) and fog in weathering: a laboratory simulation of conditions in the northern Atacama Desert, Chile

A laboratory experiment was used as a model to investigate interactions within a hyper-arid and hyper-saline weathering environment based on conditions observed in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. The experimental design produced a matrix of 18 different weathering environments with six levels of salt (sodium nitrate) availability and three levels of fog precipitation. The experiment took place over an 11-week period. Over this time, 10 weekly fog applications modified the experimental conditions. From a theoretical perspective, the weekly fog applications generate an open rather than a closed system, which may be more representative of conditions in the field. The breakdown of the chalk blocks used was assessed in two ways. Firstly, qualitative observations were made at weekly intervals of the nature of morphological changes. Secondly, at the end of the experiment, breakdown was assessed by counting the number of discrete pieces greater than 1 g liberated by each block. The electrical conductivity at the base of each block was also measured. Collectively, the results indicate that fog appears to control the rate of breakdown and that salt availability controls the timing of the response. The style of breakdown was similar irrespective of the fog and salt levels. The morphological observations show the results of a sequence of events, with the blocks evolving as the experiment progresses; as such, they provide an experimental example of the role of inheritance in weathering processes.     

Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency in different varieties of bread wheat (Triticum Aestivum L)

Thirty spring wheat varieties were evaluated and classified into eight different groups on the basis of their grain yield performance and phosphorus (P) uptake using Metroglyph analysis. Significant variability was observed for grain and biomass yield, plant height, P content in grain and straw, total P uptake and phosphorus harvest index and P use efficiency traits. Varieties WH 711 and PBW 343 exhibited high grain yield as well as high P uptake (HGY-HP). WH 283 and UP 2425 with high index score of 19 and 16 respectively, constituted the high grain yield-medium P uptake (HGYMP) group. Both these varieties, though had similar grain yield of 5348 kg/ha, but WH 283 (12.64 kg/ha) utilized much lower P as compared to UP 2425 (16.94 kg/ha). Moreover, WH 283 (81.64) also showed higher values for phosphorus harvest index (PHI) than UP 2425 (67.88%). P uptake of WH 283 was comparable with that of Raj 3765 (10.78 kg/ha) and grouped into high grain yield and low P uptake (HGY-LP) group. The grain yield performance of these two varieties with a relatively low P uptake is reflected in their high index score for P use efficiency thus, earmarking them for low P regimes. Variety HW 2006, despite low grain yields of 4665 kg/ha had high index score of 16 due to its higher value for Phosphorus Biological (PBER) and Economic Yield (PEER) Efficiency Ratio as it has effected least (7.18 kg/ha) P mobilization. In addition high P translocation in the grain was also observed for this variety. Inter-mating of genotypes like HW 2006, UP 2338 and HW 2016 with those belonging to HGY-HP (PBW 343 and WH 711) and HGY-LP (Raj 3765 and WH 283) would be an ideal strategy to develop the cultivars for efficient phosphorus use.     

不同利用方式红壤磷素有效性的深度变化——以江西省余江县孙家小流域为例

在江西省鹰潭市余江县孙家红壤小流域的典型红壤区随机选取了具有代表性的林地(F)、花生旱地(PU)、新稻田(NP,<30 a)和老稻田(OP,> 200 a),在0~40 cm深度每隔5 cm采集分层土样,分析了土壤全磷(TP)、有效磷(Bray P)、磷素活化系数(PAC)及有机磷(Po)、无机磷(Pi)与各组分磷的深度变化,探讨了土壤pH与土壤有机质(SOM)对红壤磷素有效性的影响。研究结果表明:孙家小流域不同利用方式红壤TP含量大小依次为:老稻田>新稻田>林地>花生旱地;除林地外,花生旱地与稻田土壤TP、Bray P、Pi和Po含量随着土壤深度的增加呈显著降低趋势,且稻田土壤Po含量及其占全磷的比例显著高于林地和花生旱地。花生旱地与稻田0~20 cm土壤中极有效磷(EAP)、中等有效磷(MAP)及EAP、MAP中的无机磷与有机磷的比值均显著高于林地土壤。林地转为旱地和稻田,尤其是长期植稻可以促进土壤非有效磷(NAP)向利于作物吸收的EAP与MAP转化,因而提高土壤磷素有效性。相关分析表明,随着SOM累积量的增加,四种利用方式红壤中EAP、MAP含量均显著提高。     

The efect of Zinc (Zn) application on the available Iron (Fe) contents of calcareous soils in thrace region

This research was carried out in order to determine the effect of zinc (Zn) application on the available iron (Fe) contents of calcareous soils in Thrace Region. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions by maize growing. The effect of increasing rates of Zn application on the biological indices of maize plant was determined. Fe concentration of maize plant decreased with Zn application and dry matter yield and Fe uptake of maize plant increased with Zn application. These decreases and increases were determined to be statistically significant (P&lt;0.01).     

镉胁迫下磷供应对芥菜生长和镉吸收的影响

采用土培和水培试验,研究了镉胁迫下磷供应对芥菜生长和镉吸收的影响。土培试验表明:施磷可以提高镉胁迫下小叶芥菜和雪里蕻种子的发芽率,提高小叶芥菜的生物量,而对雪里蕻生物量影响不大;施磷可以减少土壤中有效态镉含量,明显降低植株体内镉含量;植株体内的全磷含量随外加磷浓度的提高而显著增加。水培结果表明:镉胁迫下,磷供应对雪里蕻植株生物量影响不大;随着磷供应水平的增加,植株体内的全磷含量明显增加,但植株地上部镉、锌、钙、镁、锰等元素的含量明显降低。     

水稻根系果胶去甲酯化促进细胞壁磷再利用的机制探究

在缺磷条件下,水稻根系细胞壁中的果胶组分能促进细胞壁磷的再利用,而其中的潜在机制仍有待进一步的研究。选取粳稻品种Nipponbare(Nip)和籼稻品种Kasalath(Kas)作为试验材料,研究了在缺磷条件下,水稻内源磷可利用水平的变化及其差异,并探究了产生这种差异的原因。结果表明:在缺磷处理后,水稻体内的可溶性磷含量迅速降低,而Nip根系和地上部的可溶性磷含量均一直高于Kas。同时Nip根系中释放出了更多的细胞壁磷,说明相对于Kas而言,Nip的内源磷再利用能力更强。缺磷胁迫时,与Kas相比,Nip可通过提高根系中的果胶甲酯酶活性,维持较低的果胶甲酯化度。体外试验又表明,甲酯化度越低的果胶,活化难溶态磷的能力越强。综上,缺磷胁迫下,水稻可通过提高根系果胶甲酯酶活性,将细胞壁的果胶甲酯化度维持在较低水平,从而促进细胞壁磷的释放来增加体内的可溶性磷含量,以供其他部位再利用。     

Variation in content of available P and K (bray I) in soil samples from a cropped N,P, and K fertility experiment over 8 years

Abstract

Plots from a N, P, and K field fertility experiment were soil sampled each spring and fall from 1971 to 1979 to study the effect of cropping and different rates of added P and K on the content of available soil P and K (Bray I). Phosphorus and K fertilization was in the spring after soil sampling and before planting in 1971, 1972,and 1973 and in the fall after sampling in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1978. Over the 8‐year period, available soil P increased 1 kg/ ha for every 2.3 kg/ha of added P; while available soil K increased 1 kg/ha for every 5.7 kg/ha of added K. However, within a growing season and between growing seasons, contents of available soil P and K showed cyclic patterns, increasing and decreasing to a greater extent than the long‐term response. Changes in available P and K from spring to fall and from fall to spring are presented. Variability in the content of available soil P and K for 32 plots receiving a similar treatment of either P or K was greater for P as compared to K.     

不同沙地生境下柠条灌丛化对草地土壤有机碳含量及分布的影响

为揭示不同沙地生境下灌丛化草地土壤有机碳及其组分的分布特征,以宁夏盐池县沙化草原不同沙地生境(丘间低地、固定沙地、半固定沙地、流动沙地)下不同发育期的柠条灌丛斑块及其对应的草地斑块为研究对象,对土壤颗粒组成、土壤有机碳(soil organic carbon,SOC)、颗粒有机碳(particulate organic carbon,POC)及易氧化有机碳含量(labile organic carbon,LOC)进行分析。结果表明:1)各沙地生境发育中期灌丛斑块的SOC、POC、LOC及POC/SOC极显著高于草地斑块(P0.01),而LOC/SOC在灌丛和草地斑块间差异性不显著;2)从丘间低地、固定沙地、半固定沙地到流动沙地,灌丛斑块及其对应的草地斑块SOC、POC、LOC及LOC/SOC均在固定沙地出现峰值,然后呈下降趋势,表明固定沙地及不同沙地生境发育中期的灌丛斑块和草地斑块是SOC、LOC及POC变化的临界点;3)相关分析发现,发育中期2种斑块SOC与POC及LOC间及SOC与LOC/SOC间均呈极显著相关(P0.01),但土壤黏粉粒与各组分有机碳及其分配比率间没有显著相关,因此LOC和POC可作为表征草地退化最敏感的指标。研究可为沙化草原土壤恢复研究提供理论依据。     

Soils in the semi-arid area of the El Melah Lagoon (NE Tunisia) — Variability associated with a closing evolution

Soils of the semi-arid area of the El Melah coastal lagoon (NE Tunisia), with a closing evolution dynamic, were studied aiming: (1) the chemical and mineralogical characterization of surface and subsurface layers of soil profiles from locations previously submerged and of soils developed on dunes; (2) to evaluate the dependence on the environment conditions of the geochemical patterns of the soils; and (3) to determine chemical and mineralogical variations with the emersion of the sediments resulting from the decrease in the extent of the area permanently covered by water in the lagoon. The compositional results obtained showed significant differences depending on the environment (littoral plain, old dunes and sandy spit), but soils of the different environmental zones studied do not appear to be significantly polluted as far as trace elements are concerned. Among the elements studied, high element/Sc ratios and variations were found for As, Sb and Zn. Antimony is more concentrated in coarser samples suggesting its adsorption in Fe or Mn oxides coating quartz grain surfaces. Arsenic and zinc may be incorporated into the carbonates structure, as well as adsorbed on, or coprecipitated with, iron oxides. Zinc may also be significantly incorporated in clay minerals. Iron was found to be more oxidized in the cultivated soil from the old dune strand; and more reduced in the sandy spit where ankerite occurs suggesting the reduction of Fe³⁺ in oxide/hydroxides by microorganisms and incorporation of Fe²⁺ in carbonates. REE patterns, particularly the HREE/LREE are correlated with carbonates, indicating preferential incorporation of the HREE in carbonates, and of the LREE in clay minerals/iron oxides. High Ga contents were found in soils and sediments rich in clay minerals/Al, suggesting its incorporation in clay minerals structure. Therefore, Ga may be used as an indicator of the clay minerals proportion in sediments and soils. Carbonates, sulphates, besides Fe and/or Mn oxides and clay minerals, appear to play an important role on the trace elements distribution.     

Grain Size Partitioning of Mercury in Sediments of the Middle Odra River (Germany/Poland)

The Odra River is the second largest river in Poland, running from Czech Republic through a large part of Poland before entering the Baltic Sea. For the last century its catchment area has been heavily polluted by anthropogenic emissions. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of mercury in different grain size fractions of surface sediments from the middle course of the Odra River. Mercury concentrations were determined in bulk sediments of different grain size fractions using the cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry method. The total mercury concentration in bulk sediments varied from 0.051 to 1.31 mg/kg dry weight. The concentration of total mercury was determined in the grain size fractions <0.2, 0.2–0.5, 0.5–1.0, 1.0–2.0 and >2.0 mm to be (in mg/kg d.w.): 0.118–2.99, 0.033–0.99, 0.034–1.17, 0.035–1.97 and 0.017–3.65, respectively. Gradual decrease in the mercury concentration with increasing grain size from fine to coarse fraction has been observed only for sediments taken from the river bed. Although, no similar gradual decrease in the mercury concentrations has been observed for sediments from the river banks, finer sediments (<0.2 mm) still tend to show higher concentrations of mercury.     

沙漠系统中豆类作物根际附近区域土壤微生物群落研究

The aim of the current study was to gain a better understanding of the changes in soil microbial biomass and basal respiration dynamics in the vicinity of the bean caper （Zygophyllura duraosura） perennial desert shrub and the inter-shrub sites. Microbial biomasses as well as basal respiration were found to be significantly greater in the soil samples taken beneath the Z. duraosura shrubs than from the inter-shrub sampling sites, with no differences between the two sampling layers （0-10 and 10-20 cm） throughout the study period. However, seasonal changes were observed due to autumn dew formation, which significantly affected microbial biomass and basal respiration in the upper-layer inter-shrub locations. The calculated metabolic coefficient （qCO2） revealed significant differences between the two sampling sites as well as between the two soil layers, elucidating the abiotic effect between the sites throughout the study period. The substrate availability index was found to significantly demonstrate the differences between the two sites, elucidating the significant contribution of Z. duraosura in food source availability and in moderating harsh abiotic components. The importance of basal microbial parameters and the derived indices as tools demonstrated the importance and need for basic knowledge in understanding plant-soil interactions determined by an unpredictable and harsh desert environment.     

腐植酸钾对土壤铅化学形态、生物可给性及健康风险的影响

通过重金属分级提取和生物可给性体外模拟试验,研究了腐植酸钾对污染土壤中铅化学形态组成、生物可给性及基于生物可给性的健康风险评价的影响。结果表明,不同比例的腐植酸钾均可显著提高铅污染土壤的pH值和有机质含量,且随着添加量的增大而升高;添加腐植酸钾可显著降低土壤中弱酸提取态铅和可还原态铅含量,增加可氧化态铅和残渣态铅含量,其影响随添加量的增大而增强;土壤中铅的生物可给性随腐植酸钾添加量的增加而显著降低;基于生物可给性的人体健康风险评价显示,经口摄入铅污染土壤造成的危害水平随着腐植酸钾添加量的增大而显著降低,且儿童危害商(非致癌风险)高于成人,约为成人的1.8倍;土壤中铅的安全含量限值随腐植酸钾添加量的增大而增大,非敏感用地高于敏感用地。研究表明,腐植酸钾可有效降低铅污染土壤中铅的健康风险和生态风险,可用于铅污染土壤的修复。     

Changing soil characteristics alter the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) in Ethiopia across a management intensity gradient

Coffee is the most important tropical agricultural commodity worldwide, cultivated in more than 70 countries. Despite the plant's huge economic importance, there is very limited knowledge on the association of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with coffee roots. We investigated the environmental drivers affecting the diversity and community composition of AMF on Arabica coffee in its Ethiopian center of origin. We used 454 amplicon pyrosequencing to describe AMF communities in the roots of Arabica coffee plants that were sampled along a large management intensity gradient, covering the major Ethiopian coffee production systems. We identified AMF genera that have not been reported before in Arabica coffee production regions elsewhere in the world and show that high soil phosphorus availability decreases AMF diversity and that soil pH, nitrogen and phosphorus availability strongly affect AMF community composition. At the scale of our study (max. 82 km distance between sampling points, and 770 m altitude difference), no effect was found of spatial location or altitude on AMF communities. This is the first study analyzing the drivers of naturally occurring AMF in the roots of a globally important tropical crop, providing preliminary data to improve coffee production in its native and introduced range, through targeted intervention in coffee AMF communities.     

Distribution of Aluminum Fractionation in the Acidic Rhizosphere Soils of Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb)

The modified Tessier’s sequential extraction procedure and rhizobox cultivation were employed to investigate the distribution of aluminum (Al) fractions in the acidic rhizosphere soil of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana lamb) seedlings. The results showed that the Al in soils was fractionated into five operationally defined fractions. Three sets of soil samples used in the rhizoboxes were collected from the three forest sites in the southeast of China: Sichuan, Zhejian, and Jiangsu. At the end of 100-day cultivation, the rhizosphere Al fractions for the original or bulk soils were in the order of residual > iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) oxides > organic > carbonate > exchangeable. However, in rhizosphere soil, the Al fraction follows the order of residual > organic > Fe-Mn oxides > carbonate > exchangeable. On average, the rhizosphere experienced significant increase in organically bound Al and slight decrease in exchangeable Al contents, but had decreases in contents for the other three Al fractions compared to the nonrhizosphere. The correlation analysis indicated that the Al contents accumulated in roots were significantly and positively correlated with exchangeable Al contents in the rhizosphere, and also characterized by the major portion of organically bound Al, which exhibited a bioavailable transformation of Al fractions. Results indicated that decreases in both redox potential and soil pH, as well as increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), were observed in the rhizosphere. Exchangeable Al and organic Al fractions were dependent mainly on soil pH (hydrogen ion concentration) and DOC, accordingly. Decreasing rhizosphere pH from 5.93 to 3.42 accelerated the secretion of organic carbon. These data are helpful for understanding the mobility and bioavailability of Al fractions in the acidic rhizosphere soils of Masson pine.     

Modification of P availability by endogeic earthworms (Glossoscolecidae) in Ferralsols of the Malagasy Highlands

Low phosphorus (P) availability in Ferralsols of the Malagasy Highlands is a major limitation to crop growth. Direct seeding mulch-based cropping practices which were adopted in the region to improve and sustain soil fertility are known to favour earthworms’ presence. The mesocosm study aims to analyse the effect of an endogeic geophageous earthworm species on the soil P status. Total P content (P _t), NaOH-extractable P content, P ions (Pi) concentration (C _p) in solution and rapid and slow reactions of Pi in solution with solid phase were determined in two Malagasy Ferralsols. Both C _p and reactions rates were assessed in laboratory batch experiments using ³²Pi labelling and isotopic exchange kinetics (IEK). The P _t values were 836 and 349 mg P g⁻¹ in a clayey soil and a sandy–clayey soil, respectively. For both soils, NaOH-extractable organic P was significantly higher in earthworm casts than in parent soils, whereas Pt was unchanged. Also, the effect of earthworm ingestion significantly changed parameters of the IEK. In casts compared with the soil from which they were derived, the immediate isotopically exchangeable Pi (E _1 min) increased by 116%, whereas relative rates of Pi release at the solid-to-solution with time were slightly lowered. The effect of earthworm ingestion on IEK corresponded to a transfer of slowly exchangeable Pi towards quicker Pi pools of exchange. However, according to the literature, the increase in E _1 min remained below the critical level for optimal growth, stating that the soils remained P-deficient even in the presence of active and numerous earthworms.     

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphorus supply on the growth and nutrient uptake of Kandelia obovata (Sheue,Liu & Yong) seedlings in autoclaved soil

This study evaluated the interactive effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and exogenous phosphorus supply on soil phosphotases, plant growth, and nutrient uptake of Kandelia obovata (Sheue, Liu & Yong). We aimed to explore the ecophysiological function of AMF in mangrove wetland ecosystems, and to clarify the possible survival mechanism of mangrove species against nutrient deficiency. K. obovata seedlings with or without AMF inoculation (mixed mangrove AMF), were cultivated for six months in autoclaved sediment medium which was supplemented with KH₂PO₄ (0, 15, 30, 60, 120 mg kg−¹). Then the plant growth, nitrogen and phosphorus content, root vitality, AMF colonization and soil phosphatase activity were analyzed. The inoculated AMF successfully infected K. obovata roots, developed intercellular hyphae, arbuscular (Arum-type), and vesicle structures. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization ranged from 9.04 to 24.48%, with the highest value observed under 30 and 60 mg kg⁻¹ P treatments. Soil P supply, in the form of KH₂PO₄, significantly promoted the height and biomass of K. obovata, enhanced root vitality and P uptake, while partially inhibiting soil acid (ACP) and alkaline phosphotase (ALP) activities. Without enhancing plant height, the biomass, root vitality and P uptake were further increased when inoculated with AMF, and the reduction on ACP and ALP activities were alleviated. Phosphorus supply resulted in the decrease of leaf N–P ratio in K. obovata, and AMF inoculation strengthened the reduction, thus alleviating P limitation in plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation and adequate P supply (30 mg kg⁻¹ KH₂PO₄) enhanced root vitality, maintained soil ACP and ALP activities, increased plant N and P uptake, and resulted in greater biomass of K. obovata. Mutualistic symbiosis with AMF could explain the survival strategies of mangrove plants under a stressed environment (waterlogging and nutrient limitation) from a new perspective.     

Differences in the growth and ectomycorrhizal community of Dryobalanops lanceolata (Dipterocarpaceae) seedlings grown in ultramafic and non-ultramafic soils

Ultramafic soils have naturally high concentrations of metals and are often low in major plant nutrients. Plant species of non-ultramafic origin, such as Dryobalanops lanceolata (Dipterocarpaceae), generally grow less well on these soils. I found minimal changes in growth, but a 17% reduction in foliar potassium, when seedlings of D. lanceolata were grown in a non-native ultramafic soil when compared with a ‘normal’ tropical ultisol. There were, however, marked changes in the ectomycorrhizal community structure on the roots of D. lanceolata. Cenococcum geophilum was at least 10 times more common and Inocybe sp. was one and a half times more common in non-ultramafic soils, whereas Boletales sp. was over 30 times more common in the non-ultramafic soil. These changes may have been brought about by a number of edaphic differences between the two soil types, including high metal concentrations and differences in organic matter content.     

Land‐use effects on the distribution of soil organic carbon within particle‐size fractions of volcanic soils in the Transmexican Volcanic Belt (Mexico)

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of land‐use and forest cover depletion on the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) within particle‐size fractions in a volcanic soil. Emphasis was given to the thermal properties of soils. Six representative sites in Mexico were selected in an area dominated by Andosols: a grassland site, four forested sites with different levels of degradation and an agricultural site. Soils were fractionated using ultrasonic energy until complete dispersion was achieved. The particle‐size fractions were coarse sand, fine sand, silt, clay and particulate organic matter from the coarse sand sized fraction (POM‐CS) and fine sand (POM‐FS). Soil organic carbon decreased by 70% after forest conversion to cropland and long‐term cultivation; forest cover loss resulted in a decrease in SOC of up to 60%. The grassland soil contained 45% more SOC than the cropland one. Soil organic carbon was mainly associated with the silt‐size fraction; the most sensitive fractions to land‐use change and forest cover depletion were POM followed by SOC associated with the silt and clay‐sized fractions. Particulate organic matter can be used as an early indicator of SOC loss. The C lost from the clay and silt‐sized fractions was thermally labile; therefore, the SOC stored in the more degraded forest soils was more recalcitrant (thermally resistant). Only the transformation of forest to agricultural land produced a similar loss of thermally stable C associated with the silt‐sized fraction.     

Distribution of the Mallorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) in relation to landscape topography and introduced predators

The endemic midwife toad of Mallorca (Alytes muletensis) is restricted to a small number of breeding populations in the mountainous northwest of the island. The decline of the species has been attributed to the impacts of introduced species such as the viperine snake (Natrix maura) and green frog (Rana perezi), and toads may be surviving only in areas that are suboptimal for these predators. The influence of landscape features (elevation, aspect and maximum slope) on the distribution of toads and associated predators was therefore investigated using GIS. The presence of toads was positively associated with steep slopes. At sites where they occurred with toads, the distribution of predators was negatively associated with elevation. Reproductive success within toad populations was strongly associated with the number of pools at each site, while reproductive success within individual pools was positively associated with elevation. These findings may be used to optimise the design and location of future reintroduction sites.     

Quantitative effects of field water deficits on N2(C2H2) fixation in selected legumes grown in the Indian desert

Summary The nitrogenase activity of irrigated and rainfed plants of mung bean, cluster bean and moth bean was studied throughout the growth period in order to estimate the reduction in the potential nitrogen fixation (C₂H₂ reduction) rate due to field water deficits. Nitrogenase activity followed a similar trend in all crops and was dependent on both plant ontogeny and soil moisture levels. The loss of activity due to water deficits varied from 13% to 100% at different growth stages and was related to the plant water potential. The specific activity was directly correlated with the plant water potential under both the treatments. The average loss of nitrogen fixation rate during the season did not differ markedly among crops. There was an accumulation of ureides in the nodules with increasing field moisture stress in mung bean and moth bean while no such effect was found in cluster bean. The significance of these results is discussed in the N-economy of these legumes grown in the drought-prone areas of the Indian desert.