H. Daimon et al., INTERSPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN GROWTH AND NITROGEN UPTAKE AMONG CROTALARIA SPECIES, Nippon Sakumotsu Gakkai Kiji, 64(1), 1995, pp. 115-120
The interspecific differences in germination, root nodule formation, d
ry matter production and nitrogen uptake were evaluated among Cvotalar
ia species for the introduction as new green manure legumes. The germi
nation progressed smoothly in C. juncea and C. spectabilis, but physic
al scarification was neccessary in C. pallida. In the field experiment
, C. juncea had a high dry weight and a great nitrogen content at the
early growing stage, but a drastic defoliation and a high C-N ratio we
re found at the late growing stage. C. pallida grew slowly at the earl
y stage, but a high nitrogen content and an adequate C-N ratio for dec
omposition were found at the late growing stage. C. spectabilis showed
intermediate traits in dry matter production and nitrogen uptake. In
the root-box experiment, the distribution patterns of root systems and
root nodules varied among the three species. C. juncea had greater ro
ot growth and nodulation compared with two other species at 35 days af
ter sowing. When the three species are introduced to various cropping
systems, these traits should be considered for choice as green manures
.