Nitrogen Fixation, Growth and Yield of Intercropped Mungbean (yigna radiata L.) and Groundnut (Aracbis bypogaea L.) as Affected by the Genotype |
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| Authors: | R Senaratne M T K Gunasekera |
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| Institution: | Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka. |
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| Abstract: | 15N-aided investigations were conducted to ascertain the Nj fixation and the nitrogen (N) contribution by mungbean ( Vigna radiata L.) and groundnut ( Aracbis hypogaea L.) when intercropped with maize ( Zea mays ). The study involved growing seven genotypes of the above legumes with maize in alternate rows in two separate experiments. A sole crop of maize was used as the reference crop to determine N2 fixation by the 15N methodology. Significant genotypic differences in pod yield and stover N content were observed in intercropped mungbean and groundnut. The percentage N derived from the atmosphere showed a genotypic variation of 31 to 45 % (7 to 10 kg N2 fixed ha?1O in mungbean and 47 to 69 % (9 to 18 kg N2 fixed ha?1) in groundnut. Harvest index for N varied from 58 to 77 % in mungbean and 55 to 75 % in groundnut. In groundnut, the uptake of soil N was significantly affected by the genotype. Assuming that the N contribution to the soil by the helow-ground plant parts was negligible, the removal of seeds at maturity resulted in a negative N balance in the soil in all the genotypes of mungbean. In groundnut, some genotypes produced a positive N balance in the soil. Owing to high N2 fixation capacity and low harvest index for N, groundnut showed a greater N supplementing ability than mungbean. |
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| Keywords: | N2 fixation Vigna radiata Arachis hypogaea 15N intercropping Zea mays N-balance genotype |
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