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Evaluation of15N methods to measure nitrogen transfer from alfalfa to companion timothy

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Abstract

Four different methods: direct15N2 exposure, legume leaf labeled with15N,15N dilution and total N balance were applied to assess the nitrogen transfer (NT) from alfalfa to companion timothy. Evidence of NT was obtained in all cases, which represents about 3% of total N fixed by alfalfa or 10% of N content in timothy at the first cycle of growth. All the three15N methods gave identical results, while the conventional calculation of NT from the difference of N content in timothy from mixture and monoculture resulted in an over-estimation. The advantages and disadvantages of each method as applied to field conditions are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Research Centre, Agriculture Canada, K1A 0C6, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    T. C. Ta, M. A. Faris & F. D. H. Macdowall

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  1. T. C. Ta
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  2. M. A. Faris
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  3. F. D. H. Macdowall
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Contribution No 1158 from the Plant Research Centre.

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Ta, T.C., Faris, M.A. & Macdowall, F.D.H. Evaluation of15N methods to measure nitrogen transfer from alfalfa to companion timothy. Plant Soil 114, 243–247 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02220804

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02220804

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