Abstract
We examined the basis for estimating the transfer of legume N to companion cereals or grasses in intercropping or pature systems using the foliar 15N-labelling technique. Published data from three pot experiments were used to illustrate different methods for estimating N transfer. Yield-dependent and yield-independent methods based on measurement of the 15N enrichment of the whole legume biomass at harvest overestimate N transfer. Estimates of N transfer using a yield-independent method based on the 15N enrichment of the legume roots at harvest were inconsistent with estimates based on the isotopic composition of the whole plant. We propose a new mathematical concept for estimating the transfer of legume N based on measurement of the ‘mean pool abundance’ of the legume biomass during the period of N transfer.
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Received: 7 January 1996
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Chalk, P., Smith, C. Estimating nitrogen transfer by foliar 15N-labelling in legume – non-legume associations. Biol Fertil Soils 24, 239–242 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003740050237
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003740050237