Source: FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
COVER CROP MIXTURES FOR IMPROVING SOIL AND WATER QUALITY AND VEGETABLE YIELD
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
EVANS-ALLEN
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0184012
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 1999
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2005
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
1005 STATE UNIVERSITY DRIVE
FORT VALLEY,GA 31030
Performing Department
PLANT SCIENCE
Non Technical Summary
This research will be carried out to develop sustainable methods of vegetable production by reducing the amount of N fertilizer required to produce optimum yeild and preventing soil degradation from intensive cultivation. Possible use of winter cover crops for preventing nitrate leaching in vegetable production systems will also be explored.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1010110101040%
1020110101040%
2051499102020%
Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 101 - Appraisal of Soil Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 0110 - Soil;

Field Of Science
1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
The effects of cover crops comprising of hairy vetch, rye, and a mixture of the two species on soil quality and yield of succeeding vegetable crops will be studied. Individual and interactive effects of the two species on leaching of nitrate from the root zone will be examined. The influence of different cover crop residues on organic C and N concentrations, and soil microbial C and N in the soil will be determined.
Project Methods
A spilt plot experiment consisting of cover crop as main plot and N fertilization as subplot will be established. The main plot treatments of rye, vetch, 50:50 rye and vetch, and a fallow control will be planted in fall. The subplot treatments of 0 N, recommended N, and half recommended N will be applied to succeeding vegetable crops in summer. Lysimeters will be installed after planting to monitor nitrate concentration in soil leachates. Soil samples will be taken to determine soil ammonium, and nitrate, mineralizable C and N, and microbial biomass C and N. Vegetable crops will be harvested as appropriate to determine per plant and per hectare yield.

Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/05

Outputs
To achieve high crop yields, additional N is commonly applied in the form of a synthetic fertilizer. However, cover crops and animal manures were extensively used to add N to the soil before widespread use of synthetic chemicals. Renewable agricultural inputs and the problem of NO3-contamination of the groundwater from high N fertilizer rates have generated a renewed interest in cover crops. Sustainable vegetable production for Georgia farmers need information on biculture legume-cereal cover crops to substitute Commercial N fertilizer to better protect the environment, and farm land usage now and for the future. During the fall of 2004, treatments of leguminous and non-leguminous cover crops alone and in mixture were planted in same plots. These cover crop treatments were turned under in spring of 2005. The following fall-spring fertility treatments were applied:1) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-0 N, 2) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-0 N, 3) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 4) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 5) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-101 kg N/ha, 6) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-101 kg N/ha, 7) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha, 8) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha, 9) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-202 kg N/ha, 10) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-202 kg N/ha, 11) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-202 kg N/ha, and 12) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-202 kg N/ha. In Spring of 2005, 'Attribute BSS0977' bi-color (BC) supersweet (sh2) corn seeds were field planted after cover was incorporated in spring and then provided with different rates of synthetic N. The effect of single cover crops and their mixture on ear number, yield, Leaf Area Index (LAI) at each growth stage and above ground biomass (AGB) were compared with synthetic N rates to determine how effective a N source they are in supporting plant growth, yield and LAI. Maximum ear number (101,773/ha) and total yield (17.3 Mg/ha) were produced by hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha. Minimum and ear number (51,485/ha) was produced by fallow; spring-0 N, while minimum total yield (2.2 Mg/ha) was produced by abruzzi rye; spring-0 N. Above ground biomass (AGB) yields were collected during harvest week while LAI was recorded at tasseling (6/27), silking(7/8) and one week after harvest(7/25). Hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha produced highest LAI at tasseling(2.18), silking(2.73), and one week after harvest(2.57). Lowest LAI at tasseling(1.12) and silking(1.60) were produced by abruzzi rye; spring-0 N with fallow; spring-0 N producing lowest LAI(1.40) one week after harvest. Maximum AGB fresh(40.5 Mg/ha) and dry weight(12.1 Mg/ha) yields were produced by hairy vetch; spring-101kg N/ha while minimum AGB fresh(9.6 Mg/ha) and dry weight (3.6 Mg/ha) yields were produced by abruzzi rye; spring-0 N. Results indicate that hairy vetch supplemented with N at 101 kg/ha is most effective in supporting ear number, yield, LAI at each growth stage and AGB of this BCsh2 corn variety. With this study the research program is terminated and a new GEOX research program was initiated.

Impacts
The outcome of this study indicates that leguminous cover crop supplemented with N was most effective in supporting ear number, yield, LAI and AGB in sweet corn. Overall results from the research program indicate that hairy vetch can supply adequate amounts of N to some vegetables while in other vegetables a half recommended N rate needs to be added to the leguminous cover crop green manure for obtaining satisfactory plant growth and yields.

Publications

  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2005. Biculture legume-cereal cover crops for enhanced biomass yield and carbon and nitrogen. Agron. J. 97: 1403-1412.
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2005. Fresh market tomato gas exchange, biomass, and fruit yield are similar with legume cover crops or synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. HortScience 40:209-213.
  • Whitehead, W. F. and Bharat P. Singh. 2005. Effect of a Non-leguminous Cover Crop, Tillage Practices, and Inorganic Nitrogen on Above Ground Biomass Production and Yields of Southernpea. HortScience 40:1006.
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2005 Influence of Single or Mixed Cover Crops on Biomass Production and Fruit Yields of Eggplant grown With or Without Synthetic Nitrogen. HortScience 40:1006-1007.
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2004. Comparison of cover crops alone or in mixtures with inorganic nitrogen for above ground biomass production and fruit yields in bell pepper. HortScience 39:749.
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2004. Cover crops their mixture and inorganic nitrogen effect on bell pepper gas exchange at three stages of fruiting. HortScience 39:749.
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2003. Agricultural management practices to sustain crop yields and improve soil and environmental qualities. The Scientific World J. 3: 768-789.
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2003. Cover crop and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil aggregation and carbon and nitrogen pools. Canadian Journal Soil Science 83: 155-165.
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh. 2003. Carbon and nitrogen inputs from cover crops for soil sequestration. Annual ASA-CSSA-SSA Meetings.
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2003. Cover crop mixtures & Components vs. synthetic nitrogen effect on above ground biomass and yields of tomato. HortScience 38:807.
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2003. Organic vs. inorganic nitrogen effect on tomato gas exchange at three stages of fruiting. HortScience 38:749.
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh. 2003. Residue amount, type, and placement effects on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. In Proceedings of the 13th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, Atlanta, GA.
  • Sainju, U. M., B. P. Singh and W. F. Whitehead. 2002. Long-term effects of tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization on organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations in sandy loam soils in Georgia. Soil & Tillage Res. 63: 167-179.
  • Sainju, U. M., B. P. Singh and W. F. Whitehead. 2001. Comparison of the effects of cover crops and nitrogen fertilization on tomato yield, root growth, and soil properties. Scientia Horticulturae 91: 201-214.
  • Sainju, U. M., B. P. Singh and W. F. Whitehead. 2000. Cover crop and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil carbon and nitrogen and tomato yield. Can. J. Soil Sci. 80: 523-532.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
In the production of agronomic crops, legumes are used regularly as a source of nitrogen. Use of legume cover crops as a N source have not found similar application in vegetable production. In addition, the utilization of leguminous and non-leguminous cover crops in a mixture have not been thoroughly researched. Georgia vegetable farmers need information of this kind so they can improve their income, better protect the environment, and insure farm land usage now and for the future. During the fall of 2003, treatments of leguminous and non-leguminous cover crops alone and in mixture were planted. These cover crop treatments were turned under in spring of 2004. The following fall-spring fertility treatments were applied: 1) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-0 N, 2) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-0 N, 3) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 4) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 5) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-70 kg N/ha, 6) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-70 kg N/ha, 7) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-70 kg N/ha, 8) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-70 kg N/ha, 9) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-140 kg N/ha, 10) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-140 kg N/ha, 11) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-140 kg N/ha, and 12) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-140 kg N/ha. Eggplant seedlings were transplanted after cover was incorporated in spring and then provided with different rates of synthetic N. The effect of cover crops and mixture on above ground biomass, fruit number, eggplant yield and Leaf Area Index (LAI) were compared to determine how organic N source compare with synthetic N fertilizer in supporting plant growth, yield and LAI. Highest above ground biomass (227.6 g/plant), total yield (28.7 Mg/ha) and fruit number (13/plant) were produced by fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-70 kg N/ha. Minimum above ground biomass (53.0 g/plant) was produced by fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-0 N, while minimum total yield (7.8 Mg/ha) and fruit number (5/plant) were produced by fall-0 N, fallow; spring-0 N. Maximum LAI at first harvest (1.77), mid harvest (2.34), and final harvest (3.03) were produced by hairy vetch+spring-0 N, hairy vetch+spring-70 kg N/ha, and abruzzi rye+hairy vetch+spring-140 kg N/ha, respectively. Fallow+spring-0 N treatment produced lowest LAI at first harvest (1.03), mid harvest (1.44) and final harvest (1.59). Results indicate that the leguminous cover crop is an effective N source in supporting eggplant above ground biomass, fruit number, yield and LAI.

Impacts
Results of this ongoing study indicate that a legume cover crop could conceivably be an effective N source in vegetable production. Plant dry matter, fruit number, total yield and LAI of eggplant were similar in legumes as in N fertilizer. It is indicated in this study that leguminous cover crops are an effective N source in supporting plant dry matter, fruit number, total yield and LAI of eggplant.

Publications

  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2004. Cover crops their mixture and inorganic nitrogen effect on bell pepper gas exchange at three stages of fruiting. HortScience 39(4):749 (Abstr.)
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2004. Carbon accumulation in cotton, sorghum, and underlying soil as influenced by tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization. Plant and Soil (in press).
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2004. Fresh market tomato gas exchange, biomass, and fruit yield are similar with legume cover crops or synthetic nitrogen fertilizer . HortScience (in press).
  • Sainju, U. M., T. H. Terrill, S. Gelaye and B. P. Singh . 2004. Seasonal variations in rhizoma peanut and perennial weeds biomass and soil carbon and nitrogen pools. Annual ASA-CSSA-SSA Meetings. CD (Abstr.)
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2004. Tillage, cover crops and nitrogen fertilization effects on cotton and sorghum yields and nitrogen uptake. Annual ASA-CSSA-SSA Meetings. CD (Abstr.)
  • Whitehead, W. F. and B. P. Singh. 2004. Comparison of cover crops alone or in mixtures with inorganic nitrogen for above ground biomass production and fruit yields in bell pepper. HortScience 39(4):749. (Abstr.)


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
In vegetable research results on the use of cover crops has not been very consistent. Use of cover crops in a mixture of leguminous and non-leguminous crops have not been thoroughly research. Sustainable vegetable production for Georgia farmers need information of this kind so they can improve their income, better protect the environment, and insure farm land usage now and for the future. During the fall of 2002, cover crop (leguminous, non-leguminous and their mixture) treatments were planted in same plots. These cover crop treatments were turned under in spring of 2003. The following fall-spring fertility treatments were applied: 1) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-0 N, 2) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-0 N, 3) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 4) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 5) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-84 kg N/ha, 6) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-84 kg N/ha, 7) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-84 kg N/ha, 8) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-84 kg N/ha, 9) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-168 kg N/ha, 10) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-168 kg N/ha, 11) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-168 kg N/ha, and 12) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-168 kg N/ha. Bell pepper was transplanted after cover was incorporated in spring and then provided with different rates of synthetic N. The effect of cover crops and mixture on above ground biomass, fruit number, bell pepper yield and net photosynthesis (Pn) were compared with synthetic N rates to determine how effective a N source they are in supporting plant growth, yield and gas exchange. Highest above ground biomass (48.0 g/plant), total yield (36.7 Mg/ha) and fruit number (11/plant) were produced by fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-0 N while lowest above ground biomass (19.0 g/plant), total yield (11.5 Mg/ha) and fruit number (4/plant) were produced by fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-0 N. During mid-fruiting, maximum Pn (16.2 micromolCO2\m-2\s-1) occurred with the fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-168 kg N/ha treatment influencing Pn the most. Results imply that the leguminous cover crop is an effective N source in supporting above ground biomass, fruit number, yield and net photosynthesis of bell pepper.

Impacts
Results of this ongoing study indicate that a legume cover crop could conceivably be an effective N source in vegetable production. Plant dry matter, fruit number, total yield and net photosynthesis of bell pepper were similar in legumes as in N fertilizer. Future experimentation is continuing for appropriate evaluation to suitably impact Georgia farmers.

Publications

  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2003. Agricultural management practices to sustain crop yields and improve soil and environmental qualities. The Scientific World J. 3: 768-789.
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2003. Cover crop and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil aggregation and carbon and nitrogen pools. Can. J. Soil Sci. 83: 155-165.
  • 03)Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh . 2003. Carbon and nitrogen inputs from cover crops for soil sequestration. Annual ASA-CSSA-SSA Meetings. CD (Abstr.)
  • W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh. 2003. Cover crop mixtures & Components vs. synthetic nitrogen effect on above ground biomass and yields of tomato. Annual ASHS Meetings. HortScience 38(5):807. (Abstr.)
  • W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh. 2003. Organic vs. inorganic nitrogen effect on tomato gas exchange at three stages of fruiting. Annual ASHS Meetings. HortScience 38(5):749. (Abstr.)
  • Singh, B. P., U. M. Sainju, D. Lee, and W. F. Whitehead. 2003. Characteristics of light texture soils under high residue conservation tillage systems for corn. Soil Tillage Research Organization 16th. Triennial Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 14-18 July, 2003. p. 139.
  • Sainju, U. M., W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh. 2003. Residue amount, type, and placement effects on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. In Proceedings of the 13th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, Inc., Atlanta, GA, 29 March to 2 April. p. 112.


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Cover crop mixtures for improving soil and water quality and vegetable yield Legumes are used regularly as a source of nitrogen in the production of agronomic crops. In vegetables, legume cover crops used as a N source have not found similar application. Sustainable vegetable production for Georgia farmers need similar information so that they can improve their income, better protect the environment, and insure farm land usage now and for the future. In fall 2001, cover crops (legume, grain and a mixture) were planted. These cover crop treatments were turned under in spring of 2002 and then provided with different rates of synthetic N. The following winter-spring fertility treatments were:1) 0 N winter+fallow-0 N spring, 2) 0 N winter+abruzzi rye-0 N spring, 3) 0 N winter+hairy vetch-0 N spring, 4) 0 N winter+abruzzi rye&hairy vetch-0 N spring, 5) 0 N winter+fallow-90 kg N/ha spring, and 6) 0 N winter+abruzzi rye-90 kg N/ha spring, 7) 0 N winter+hairy vetch-90 kg N/ha spring, 8) 0 N winter+abruzzi rye&hairy vetch-90 kg N/ha spring, 9) 0 N winter+fallow-180 kg N/ha spring, 10) 0 N winter+abruzzi rye-180 kg N/ha spring, 11) 0 N winter+hairy vetch-180 kg N/ha spring, 12) 0 N winter+abruzzi rye&hairy vetch-180 kg N/ha spring. In 2002, tomato was grown after cover was incorporated in spring. The effect of cover crops and mixture on above ground biomass, fruit number, tomato yield and net photosynthesis (Pn) were compared with synthetic N rates to determine how effective a N source they are in supporting plant growth, yield and gas exchange. Highest above ground biomass (229.8 g/plant) was produced by hairy vetch+0 N. Total yield (96.4 Mg/ha) and fruit number (36/plant) were highest in hairy vetch+180 kg N/ha and lowest (59.5 Mg/ha & 21/plant) in abruzzi rye+0N. Maximum Pn (14.3 micromolCO2\m-2\s-1) occurred at initial-fruiting with abruzzi rye&hairy vetch+90 kg N/ha influencing Pn the most. Results indicate that the leguminous cover crop is an effective N source in supporting above ground biomass, fruit number, yield and net photosynthesis of tomato.

Impacts
The results of this study indicate that legumes may have similar type of utility in vegetable production as in agronomic crops. Plant dry matter, fruit number, total yield and net photosynthesis of tomato were similar in legumes as in N fertilizer. Future experimentation is ongoing for appropriate evaluation to suitably impact Georgia farmers.

Publications

  • W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh. 2002. Winter cover vs. synthetic N effect on yield, plant dry matter and photosynthesis of bell pepper. 25th Inter. Hort. Cong. Symp. 02:101.(Abstr.)


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
It is well documented for agronomic crops that legume cover crops serve as an effective alternate nitrogen source to synthetic N, but for vegetables this type of information is lacking. In the 2000 growing season a vegetable rotation sutdy was intitiated with findings that indicated the legume cover crops can be an effective N source in supporting plant growth and yeild of eggplant while enhancing gas exchange similarly to commercial N rates.
In 2001 bell pepper was grown in the rotation. The effect of cover crops on bell pepper yield, vegetative dry matter and net photosynthesis (Pn) were compared with synthetic N rates. The following winter-spring fertility treatments, similar to the 2000 study were applied using randomized complete block design with four replications: 1) 0 N winter-0 N spring, 2)0 N winter-84 kg N/ha spring, 3) 0 N winter-168 kg N/ha spring, 3) 0 N winter-168 kg N/ha spring, 4) 0 N winter+abruzzi rye-0 N spring, 5) 0 N winter+hairy vetch-0 N spring, and 6)0 N winter+crimson clover-0 N spring. In spring, 'Wizard 338G' bell pepper were transplanted in all plots. Total yield was compiled over eight weeks and plant dry matter collected at final harvest, while net photosynthesis was measured at different fruiting stages.
Highest vegetative dry matter (79.8 g/plant) and total yield (34.2 Mg/ha) was produced by hairy vetch and lowest (22.8 g/plt and 6.3 Mg/ha, respectively) by abruzzi rye. Maximum Pn (15.2 umolCO2/m2/s) occurred at final fruiting. Hairy vetch increased Pn the most, while minimum influence came from the abruzzi rye and 0 N treatments. Organic N from hairy vetch and crimson clover produced plant dry matter and yield comparable to those receiving synthetic N. Results indicate that hairy vetch and crimson clover are an effective N source in supporting plant dry matter, total yield and net photosynthesis of bell pepper.

Impacts
The outcome of this study indicate that leguminous cover crops are an effective N source in supporting plan dry matter, total yield and net photosynthesis of bell pepper.

Publications

  • U.M. Sainju, B. P. Singh and W. F. Whitehead. 2002. Long-term effects of tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization on organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations in sandy loam soils in Georgia. Soil & Tillage Res. 63: 167-179.
  • W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh. 2001. Organic vs. inorganic nitrogen effect on vegetative matter and yields of eggplant. HortScience 36(3):484. (Abstr.)
  • W. F. Whitehead and B. P. Singh 2001. Eggplant gas exchange response to nitrogen sources at three stages of fruiting. HortScience 36(3):473.(Abstr.)


Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
During the 2000 growing season a vegetable rotation study was initiated using eggplant in the first year to determine how the yield, fruit number, vegetative dry matter and gas exchange are affected by winter cover crops and recommended fertilizer N rates. The following winter-spring fertility treatments were applied using randomized complete block design with four replications: 1) 0 N winter-0 N spring, 2) 0 N winter-70 kg N/ha spring, 3) 0 N winter-140 kg N/ha spring, 4)O N winter+abruzi rye-0 N spring, 5) 0 N winter+hairy vetch-0 N spring, and 6) 0 N winter+crimson clover-0 N spring. In Spring, 'Miguel' eggplant was transplanted in all plots. Total yield and fruit number were compiled over eight weeks, while seasonal vegetative dry matter was measured at final harvest. Gas exchange measurements were recorded at three fruiting stages, consisting of transpiration (E), photosynthesis (Pn) and the internal leaf CO2 concentration (Ci). Highest vegetative dry matter (217.5 g/plant) and fruit number (22/plant) were produced by hairy vetch. Total yield was highest (52.1 Mg/ha) in the hairy vetch plots and lowest (21.0 Mg/ha) in abruzi rye. Organic N from hairy vetch and crimson clover produced significantly higher dry matter compared to other treatments, while fruit number and yield were comparable to those receiving synthetic N. Maximum E(14.9 mmol m-2s-1), Pn(17.O umolCO2 m-2s-1), and Ci(382.8uliters liter-1) occurred at mid-friuting. Crimson clover and hairy vetch influenced E and Pn the most, while Ci was highest in the abruzi rye and the 0 N treatments. Results indicate that legume cover crops are effective N source in supporting plant dry matter, fruit number, yield of eggplant while enhancing gas exchange similarly to commercial N rates.

Impacts
Legume cover crops appear to be effective N source in supporting plant growth and yeild of eggplant while enhancing gas exchange similarly to commercial N rates.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period