Effects of Rhizobium inoculation and cropping systems on macronutrients uptake and partitioning in two legumes (Common bean and Lablab)

Abstract

The study to investigate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation and cropping systems on the uptake of macronutrients in shoot, root and whole plant of Phaseolus vulgaris and Lablab purpureus was conducted at Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) for two cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design was used in a 3-factorial arrangement with two levels of Rhizobium (with and without rhizobia), two legumes (P. vulgaris and L. purpureus) and five cropping systems (sole maize or sole legumes, 1 row maize to 1 row legumes (1:1) i.e. 0 m or 0.45 m of legume from maize row, 1 row maize to 2 rows of legumes (1:2) i.e. 0.1 m or 0.2 m of legumes from maize rows). The result showed that Rhizobium inoculation significantly (P0.001) increased the uptake of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the plant parts and whole plant. Similarly, cropping systems significantly (P0.001) increased the uptake of N, K and Mg in shoots and whole plant of P. vulgaris and L. purpureus but decreased the P and Ca content in roots. Legumes significantly increased the uptake of the macronutrients in shoots and roots but more nutrients concentration in shoots than roots for both cropping seasons. There were significant (P0.001) interaction between; Rhizobium x legumes x cropping systems on whole plant uptake of N in cropping season 1 and 2. Regardless of the type of interaction, inoculated legumes maximized the uptake of macronutrients in shoots, roots and whole plant.

Field pea/spring triticale mixtures influenced iron and manganese concentrations in soil and forage plant uptake

“…(2007) and Massawe et al. (2017), crops of legume‐cereal mixtures uptake more Fe and Mn compared to pure sowings. According to Pflueger et al.…”

“…In their study, Wiche et al (2016) obtained greater uptake of these micronutrients in the case of pure sowing of legumes compared to cereals. On the other hand, according to studies by Gunes et al (2007) and Massawe et al (2017), crops of legume-cereal mixtures uptake more Fe and Mn compared to pure sowings. According to Pflueger et al (2020), growing legume-cereal mixtures produces greater yields.…”

High-Throughput Absolute Quantification Sequencing Reveals that a Combination of Leguminous Shrubs Is Effective in Driving Soil Bacterial Diversity During the Process of Desertification Reversal

“…This was most likely related to the litter quality and soil enzymatic activity of legumes [ 30 ], suggesting that the use of specific species is the key to the improvement of soil properties. This might be driven by the improvement of the root exudates and the decomposition of the litter residues [ 53 ], and it might also be due to the dual N-fixation by the combination of legumes [ 49 , 89 ]. The key factor is that legumes are special functional groups with higher productivity that feed back to the soil and promote soil fertility [ 23 ].…”

Advancement and practical applications of rhizobacterial biofertilizers for sustainable crop production in sub-Saharan Africa

“…Increased shoot dry weight and nodule weight Kenya [18] Rhizobium spp. Increased uptake of nutrients Tanzania [19] Rhizobium spp. Improved yields South Africa [20] Rhizobium Increased seed yields over control Kenya [21] Rhizobia Significant yield increase Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda [22] Chickpea Rhizobium Up to 138% increase in yield Ethiopia [23] Cowpea…”