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The amounts and dynamics of nitrogen transfer to grasses differ in alfalfa and white clover-based grass-legume mixtures as a result of rooting strategies and rhizodeposit quality

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Abstract

Aims

Differences in the ability to fix and transfer N have been shown between perennial legume species. However, the traits responsible for such variations are largely to be identified. This study aimed at comparing the dynamics of N transfer from alfalfa and white clover and test whether their differences resulted from difference in fixation, legume proportion, population dynamics or tissue composition.

Methods

A three-year field experiment and a greenhouse experiment were carried out. Nitrogen fixation and transfer were assessed trough 15 N dilution and difference methods.

Results

Both experiments confirmed significant differences between legumes regarding N transfer capacity. Although alfalfa cumulated twice as much biomass and fixed nitrogen, it transferred smaller amounts of N (59 versus 147 kg N.ha−1 over three years in the field) under a delayed dynamic. The amounts of nitrogen transferred were related to recent decreases in legume population density. Moreover, root tissue composition differed; white clover had a higher proportion of fine roots with a lower C/N and lignin content. This resulted in more rapid N release from the severed roots of clover.

Conclusions

The traits controlling plant persistency, root material turnover and residue quality may better explain N transfer dynamics than overall legume production and fixation.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the E & A department of INRA (TransfertN project) and the CAPES/Cofecub exchange programme from Brazil (project 684/10). We would like to thank S. Carre, A. Eprinchard, L. Faverjon, N. Moynet, A. Philiponneau, E. Rivault and J.P. Terrasson for their assistance with the experiments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INRA, UR4 URP3F, BP6, F86600, Lusignan, France

    Gaëtan Louarn, Edina Pereira-Lopès & François Gastal

  2. Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil

    Edina Pereira-Lopès

  3. Groupe Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture, UR LEVA, F49007, Angers, France

    Joëlle Fustec

  4. INRA, UPR AgroImpact, Site de Laon, Pôle du Griffon, F02000, Barenton-Bugny, France

    Bruno Mary

  5. INRA, UMR 1347 Agroécologie, BP 86510, F21000, Dijon, France

    Anne-Sophie Voisin

  6. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

    Paulo Cesar de Faccio Carvalho

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  1. Gaëtan Louarn
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  2. Edina Pereira-Lopès
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  3. Joëlle Fustec
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  4. Bruno Mary
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  5. Anne-Sophie Voisin
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Correspondence to Gaëtan Louarn.

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Responsible Editor: Euan K. James.

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Louarn, G., Pereira-Lopès, E., Fustec, J. et al. The amounts and dynamics of nitrogen transfer to grasses differ in alfalfa and white clover-based grass-legume mixtures as a result of rooting strategies and rhizodeposit quality. Plant Soil 389, 289–305 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-014-2354-8

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