Production of cabbage grown in pots containing legumes' root and shoot

Abstract

Roots effect is not generally considered in studies assessing the performance of crops in response to green manuring. However, such effect can contribute to a better understanding of crop rotation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of root and shoot of two legumes on the production of cabbage. The experiment was conducted in pots of 10 liters containing substrate of 2:1 soil/sand. The experiment was arranged in a factorial scheme (2x3 + 2) in a randomized block design with five replicates using two legume species (Crotalaria juncea L. and Canavalia ensiformis L), three plant parts (root, shoot, or whole plant), and two additional treatments (mineral fertilization with 100% and 50% of the recommended dose of N for growing cabbage). Pots with legume treatments received mineral fertilizer with 50% of the recommended dose of N for growing cabbage. The experimental plot consisted of a pot containing one plant of cabbage. Legumes were grown in pots and harvested at 78 days. The root biomass was determined in extra pots. Production was assessed using head fresh and dry weight. The application of the whole plant of both legume species reduced cabbage production. However, root or shoot of both legume species was equivalent to 50% of mineral N fertilization required for the cultivation of cabbage.

Nitrogen contributions of legume roots to cabbage nutrition

“…The N fertilizer was applied at a rate of 50 mg kg −1 N, corresponding to 0.6 g N per pot, equivalent to 50 % of the recommended N dose (Vargas et al, 2012). The N fertilizer, in the form of urea with 3 % 15 N a.e.…”

“…On average, the equivalent of 204, 518 and 721 kg N ha −1 from root, shoot, and whole plant treatments were added to the cabbage crop, respectively. For details about estimated legume biomass production, N content, C:N ratio, and nutrient accumulation, please see Vargas et al (2011Vargas et al ( , 2012. The cabbage plants were grown in the fi eld for 92 days and then harvested.…”