C. Thonnissen et al., Legume decomposition and nitrogen release when applied as green manures totropical vegetable production systems, AGRON J, 92(2), 2000, pp. 253-260
For legume green manures (GM) to be effective, environmentally sound N sour
ces for horticultural crops in the tropics, their N release must be in sync
hrony with crop N demand. Decomposition and N release of surface applied (m
ulch) or incorporated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and indigofera (Indi
gofera tinctoria L.) GM were studied in six field studies conducted at thre
e locations in Taiwan and the Philippines between 1993 and 1995. Litter bag
s and inorganic N soil samplings were used in order to understand tomato (L
ycopersicon esculentum Mill.) crop responses to GM N. Resulting soil N cont
ents were compared with a control (no GM, no fertilizer). The N content of
60 to 74 d soybean GM varied between 110 and 140 kg N ha-L and that of indi
gofera between 5 and 40 kg N ha(-1). Nitrogen-15-labeled soybean GM was tra
ced in the soil and in organic matter fractions (humic acids, calcium humat
es, humins) in one of the field studies. Soybean and indigofera decomposed
rapidly, losing 30 to 70% of their biomass within 5 wk after application, d
epending on GM placement, season (wet vs. dry), and location. Soil nitrate
contents increased corresponding to GM N release at all locations and seaso
ns, with a maximum increase of 80 to 100 kg NO3-N ha(-1) with incorporated
soybean. The peak N release occurred 2 to 6 wk after GM application in two
of the three locations, and 5 to 8 wk in the third location. The apparent d
ecline of GM N release at all locations and seasons 8 wk after application
was only partly caused by tomato N uptake. At tomato harvest, 30 to 60% of
the GM N-15 was found in the soil, and was found mostly in humins. Comparab
le N release dynamics across seasons and locations suggest a possible N fer
tilizer substitution by incorporated soybean GM for basal N application and
first side dressing to tomato. With respect to season and location, GM N s
hould be supplemented with N fertilizer starting after 8 wk to ensure optim
al tomato yields.