EFFECTS OF PERENNIAL PEANUT AND COMMON BERMUDAGRASS ON NITROGEN AND WATER UPTAKE OF YOUNG CITRUS TREES |
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| Authors: | J Linares J Scholberg D Graetz K Boote R McSorley C Chase |
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| Institution: | 1. Agronomy Department , Universidad Nacional Experimental del Táchira , San Cristobal, Venezuela;2. Agronomy Department , University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA;3. Soil and Water Science Department , University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA;4. Entomology and Nematology Department , University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA;5. Horticultural Sciences Department , University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA |
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| Abstract: | A greenhouse experiment was conducted using a Soil-N Uptake Monitoring (SUM) system to determine nitrogen (N) and water uptake dynamics of citrus (CIT), perennial peanut (PP) (Arachis glabrata Benth), and common bermudagrass (BG) (Cynodon dactylon L.) over time. We also assessed the competition for water and N uptake between citrus and groundcover species and compared citrus N uptake measured using the SUM system with the 15N method. Nitrogen uptake followed cyclic patterns and was greatest for bermudagrass-based systems, while values were similar for PP and citrus systems. Competition for N uptake did occur during the summer months between citrus and BG, while no obvious competition for N uptake occurred between citrus and PP. Water uptake was greatest for the mixed systems and BG monoculture. Citrus, PP, and BG competed for water during the spring and summer seasons. None of the groundcovers significantly affected overall citrus tree growth. Nitrogen use efficiency was greatest for mixed systems and bermudagrass. |
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| Keywords: | soil-N uptake monitoring system 15N nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) competition groundcover |
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