Studies on Nodulating Capacity of Some Forage Legumes Grown Alone or in Mixtures

Abstract

-A pot experiment was conducted to study the nodulating capacity of some forage legumes. Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were grown in pure culture (100%) and in mixtures with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in the ratios: birdsfoot trefoil + tall fescue (50:50%); sainfoin + tall fescue (50:50%); subterranean clover + tall fescue (50:50%); birdsfoot trefoil + subterranean clover + tall fescue (33:33:33%); sainfoin + subterranean clover + tall fescue (33:33:33%). Birdsfoot trefoil from the crops cultivated in pure stands showed the highest nodulation rating (31), followed by sainfoin (26) Palavras-chave: eficiência do uso de fósforo, sanfeno, trevo-subterrâneo, festucaalta, cultivo isolado ou em combinação.