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N2 fixation and growth of legumes as affected by sulphur fertilization

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Abstract

The influence of three sulphur application rates in combination with two nitrogen application rates on N2 fixation and growth of different legumes was investigated. N was applied as N-labelled 15NH4 15NO3. The 15N isotope dilution technique was used to estimate N2 fixation. At both N increments dry matter yield was highest with high S supply. Independently of the N supply, the high S application rate resulted in a significantly higher N accumulation, which was mainly caused by a higher N2 fixation rate. With the grain legumes the weight of nodules was increased by the high S application rate. The higher number of nodules per pot with optimum S supply was the result of a better root growth. Rates of acetylene reduction correlated significantly with S supply.

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Scherer, H.W., Lange, A. N2 fixation and growth of legumes as affected by sulphur fertilization. Biol Fertil Soils 23, 449–453 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335921

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335921

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