Author(s): FAGERIA, N. K.; GHEYI, H. R.; CARVALHO, M. C. S.; MOREIRA, A.

Summary: Root is an important organ which supplies water and nutrients to growing plants. Data related to root growth and nutrient uptake by tropical legume cover crops are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate root growth of tropical legume cover crops and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and use efficiency under different phosphorus (P) levels. The P levels used were 0 (low), 100 (medium) and 200 (high) mg kg-1 of soil and 5 cover crops were evaluated. Root dry weight, maximum root length, specific root length were significantly influenced by P and cover crop treatments. Maximum values of these root growth parameters were achieved with the addition of 100 mg P kg-1 soil. The P x cover crops interaction for all the macro and micronutrients, except Mn was significant, indicating variation in uptake pattern of these nutrients by cover crops with the variation in P rates. Cover crops which produced higher root dry weight also accumulated higher amount of N and P compared to cover crops which produced lower root dry weight. Higher uptake of N compared to other nutrients by cover crops indicated that use of cover crops in the cropping systems can reduce loss of NO3- from soil-plant systems.

Publication year: 2014

Types of publication: Paper in annals and proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Rice & Beans

Keywords: Cumprimento radicular, Fertilizante fosfatado, Fósforo, Nitrogênio, Peso seco da raiz, Peso seco do caule, Raíz, Relação raiz-parte aérea