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Distribution of dry weight between root and shoot in white clover dependent on N2 fixation or utilizing abundant nitrate nitrogen

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Summary

Plants of white clover var. Blanca were grown singly in pots in controlled environments, or in small swards in a glasshouse, to determine how their distribution of dry weight between root and shoot was influenced when they were dependent on N2 fixation in their root nodules or when they lacked nodules but utilized an abundant supply of nitrate nitrogen. In single plants and in swards, changes in root/shoot ratio with increasing age and plant development were not influenced by the source of nitrogen, but nodulated plants always displayed a higher root/shoot ratio. When nodulated plants were supplied with nitrate nitrogen, root/shoot ratio declined to values intermediate between those of nodulated and of nitrate plants. The results are discussed in relation to the persistence of white clover, and the general level of productivity, in grass-clover swards.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Grassland Research Institute, SL6 5LR, Hurley, Berkshire

    G. J. A. Ryle, R. A. Arnott & C. E. Powell

Authors
  1. G. J. A. Ryle
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  2. R. A. Arnott
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  3. C. E. Powell
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The Grassland Research Institute is financed through the Agricultural Research Council.

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Ryle, G.J.A., Arnott, R.A. & Powell, C.E. Distribution of dry weight between root and shoot in white clover dependent on N2 fixation or utilizing abundant nitrate nitrogen. Plant Soil 60, 29–39 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02377110

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02377110

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