Effect of Phosphorus Fertilisation on Legume Nodule Formation and Biomass Production in Mount Kenya Region

Abstract

The response of legumes to the application of phosphorus was tested in the upper midland 3 agro-ecological zone in a humic Nitisol at Karurina Location of Embu District in the central Kenya region. The legumes tested were Mucuna pruriens, Canavalia ensiformis, Glycine max, Crotalaria ochroleuca and Lablab purpureus. A split plot design was used in which 17 kg/ha phosphorus was applied to half of the plot and the remainder was planted without any P. Nodulation and biomass assessment were conducted at the respective flowering stages for each of the legumes tested. The results revealed that all legume species tested formed effective nodules at either the tap root or the lateral roots. Crotalaria showed the highest level of nodule formation whereas Canavalia formed one or no nodules per plant. Mucuna showed the highest level (4.13 t/ha) of biomass accumulation while Canavalia gave the lowest (0.56 t/ha) amount of biomass. Addition of phosphorus did not affect nodulation or biomass accumulation in any of the legume species tested.

Evaluation of Bio-and Mineral Phosphorus Fertilizers Accompanied with Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Quantity and Quality of Soybean (Glycin max L.) Yield

“…Therefore, the application of phosphorus has a dramatic effect on legumes when it applied to soils low in phosphorus. Phosphorus helps legumes plants in root nodulation, efficient use of nutrients, N 2 fixation and efficient partitioning of photosynthates from vegetative to reproductive parts (Gitari and Mureith, 2003). These results are in conformity with those that report a significant increase in N, P and K content and uptake in the leaves or straw due to P application in soybean (Fatima et al, 2007).…”

Use of N and P biofertilizers reduces inorganic phosphorus application and increases nutrient uptake, yield, and seed quality of chickpea

“…Leguminous crops require more phosphorus than other crops to attain optimum growth and productivity (Gitari and Mureithi 2003). Therefore, the application of phosphorus has a dramatic effect on legumes when it is applied to soils low in phosphorus.…”

“…Therefore, the application of phosphorus has a dramatic effect on legumes when it is applied to soils low in phosphorus. Phosphorus helps leguminous plants in root-nodulation, efficient use of nutrients, dinitrogen fixation, and efficient partitioning of photosynthates from vegetative to reproductive parts (Gitari and Mureithi 2003). As indicated by the main effects of phosphorus, P 60 gave the highest values for seed yield, harvest index, and number of , P 60 = 60 kg P ha -1 , BF 0 = no biofertilizer application (control), BNF = biological nitrogen fertilizer (Rhizobium ciceri), and BPF = biological phosphorus fertilizer (Pseudomonas striata).…”

“…In leguminous crops, phosphorus promotes root nodulation, nitrogen fixation, nutrient-use efficiency, efficient partitioning of photosynthates between source and sink, and biomass production (Gitari and Mureithi 2003;Ogola et al 2012). However, phosphatic fertilizers are not only costly but also their supply is lower than their demand.…”

Response of Prosopis Chilensis to biofertilization under calcareous soil of RasSudr. 2 – Pod production

“…Seed yield and yield attributes leguminous crops require more phosphorus than other crops to attain optimum growth and productivity (Gitari and Mureithi, 2003). P-solubilizing activity of phosphobacteria associated with the release of organic acids and a drop in the pH of the medium.…”