Effect of Different Fertilizing Systems on Seed Yield and Phosphorus Uptake in Annual Medics under Dryland Farming Conditions

Abstract

The effect of different fertilizing systems on the seed yield and phosphorus uptake in annual medic (Medicago scutellata cv. Robinson) was examined at two locations under dry farming conditions in Kermanshah province, Iran, in 2009. Experiments were conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications; the treatments consisted of control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizer, biological fertilizer and different combinations of chemical and biological fertilizing systems. The results showed that application of different fertilizing systems had a highly significant effect on the number of pods per plant. The highest values were obtained in the treatment using the urea chemical fertilizer + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria + mycorrhiza. The highest soil seed bank was recorded in the nitrogen-fixing bacteria + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria treatment; it increased the number of seeds by approximately 50 percent compared to the control (only 134 pod containing seeds). The highest pod yield was obtained after applying nitrogen-fixing bacteria + mycorrhiza (445 kg/ha), the lowest yield in the control treatment (266 kg/ha). In general, under the conditions of this experiment, the seed yield of annual medic var. Robinson receiving nitrogen-fixing + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria out-yielded other fertilizing treatments. This indicates a synergistic interaction between these groups of bacteria that increases seed yield, the soil seed bank as well as the seed phosphorus uptake of this plant species under dry farming conditions.

Optimizing water and phosphorus management to improve hay yield and water‐ and phosphorus‐use efficiency in alfalfa under drip irrigation

“…Therefore, phosphorus application can improve alfalfa growth. However, excessive phosphorus uptake by alfalfa could have a competitive effect on the uptake mechanisms for other nutrients, resulting in unbalanced nutrition, which would reduce plant yield (Shabani et al, 2011).…”

The Effect of Tillage System and Rimsulfuron Application on Weed Flora, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Root Colonization and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…These fungi play an important role in plant nutrition and soil conservation (Kabir, 2005). AM fungi improve the host plants ability to absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus and several other macronutrients (Shabani et al, 2011). Data obtained by other researchers clearly demonstrated the effects of tillage intensity (Borie et al, 2006;Kabir, 2005;Mozafar et al, 2000) on AM root colonization.…”

Biofertilizers with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture

“…Environmental conditions (Baar 2008;Kahiluoto et al 2012), production systems (Sieverding 1991), and agricultural practices (Brito et al 2008) can all interfere in plant responsiveness to AM fungal inocula. Furthermore, Antunes et al (2009) showed that soil disturbance may under certain conditions have greater consequences for AM fungal effects on The biological fertilizers can modify the adverse effects of moisture stress conditions The highest pod yield was obtained after applying nitrogen-fixing bacteria + mycorrhiza Shabani et al (2011) plant productivity and the structure of indigenous AM fungal communities than certain AM fungal introduction through commercial inoculation.…”

“…Kahiluoto et al (2009) suggested that the low-input cropping system with recycled organic matter composted before incorporation favors AM contribution to crop performance in the long term compared with a conventional cropping system. Advantages have been observed for (1) co-inoculation of AM fungi and N 2 -fixing bacteria (species not specified) under dry conditions for annual medic production (Shabani et al 2011), (2) AM fungi and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (species not specified) with reduction of phosphate fertilization under dry conditions for corn production (Zarabi et al 2011), (3) AM fungi and rhizobia under low P and/or low N conditions for soybean growth (Wang et al 2011), (4) AM fungi (Glomus fasciculatum and G. mosseae) combined with the N 2 -fixing bacteria Azospirillum brasilense and Azotobacter chroococcum (Aseri et al 2008), (5) -co-inoculation of AM fungi and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria under drought stress condition for corn grain production (Zarabi et al 2011), and (6) inclusion of AM fungi in biofertilizer in organic systems (Tanu Prakash and Adholeya 2006).…”