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- Title
Soil microbial biomass as affected by groundcover management in a Fraser fir ( Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir) plantation after 1 year.
- Authors
Nikièma, Paligwende; Nzokou, Pascal; Rothstein, David; Ngouajio, Mathieu
- Abstract
We investigated soil microbial biomass response to incorporating a non-leguminous [perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne)] and two leguminous [Dutch white clover ( Trifolium repens) and alfalfa ( Medicago sativa)] cover crops into a newly established Fraser fir ( Abies fraseri) plantation. Groundcover treatments consisted of growing each cover crop in the interspaces of the plantation, mowing the aboveground biomass every 3 weeks, and leaving the plant residues on the ground to decompose. Conventionally managed plots were used as a control. Soil total C, total N, and microbial biomass carbon (SMB-C) and nitrogen (SMB-N) were assessed at the 0-15-, 15-30-, and 30-35-cm soil depths. Soil total C was unaffected by groundcovers at any depths, whereas soil total N was significantly ( P = 0.031) higher in the cover crop treatments than in the conventional system at the top soil layer. Groundcovers increased SMB-C and SMB-N by 20-50% and 35-80%, respectively, in the top soil layer relative to the control. These results suggest that groundcovers could potentially improve soil fertility and be a good strategy for sustainable fir tree production.
- Subjects
COVER crops; MICROBIAL biotechnology; SOIL fertility; FRASER fir; PLANT-soil relationships
- Publication
Biology & Fertility of Soils, 2012, Vol 48, Issue 6, p727
- ISSN
0178-2762
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00374-012-0666-5