Nitrogen fixation (N‐15 dilution) with soybeans under Thai field conditions. IV. Effect of N addition and Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation in soils with indigenous B. japonicum populations

Abstract

The effects of Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation and pre‐plant additions of N fertilizer on soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) yields and levels of N2 fixation were studied under field conditions at two sites in Thailand. Bacterial inoculants were composed of B. japonicum strains selected for high N2 fixation levels in Thai soils. Nitrogen fertilizer addition rates used were from 0 to 250 kg N/ha in 50 kg N/ha increments. At the Chiang Mai site in northern Thailand, bacterial inoculation increased nodule weights on plants receiving 100 kg N/ha or less. Increases in nodule parameters due to inoculation were evident at 45 d after planting (DAP) but disappeared by 60 DAP. Addition of N fertilizers decreased the incidence of nodulation and sap ureide contents and decreased the contribution of N2 fixation to the N content of plants at maturity as measured by N‐15 isotope dilution methods. At the Kampang Saen site in central Thailand, bacterial inoculation had significant positive effects on nodule numbers and weights, ARA, sap ureide contents and levels of N2 fixed as measured by N‐15 isotope dilution methods. Addition of N fertilizers at this site also reduced the effectiveness of N2‐fixing symbioses. It was concluded that small additions of N fertilizer added before planting did not significantly decrease N2 fixation levels, but did have a significant positive effect on plant growth. Larger N additions would reduce N2 fixation levels in excess of the benefits of adding more N in chemical form.