New insights in below ground nitrogen of clover-grass mixtures

Summary

Estimates of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) of clover in mixtures usually consider only aboveground clover nitrogen (N). However, belowground inputs of clover N derived from SNF via roots and rhizodeposition and its transfer to associated grass may contribute significantly to the amount of symbiotically fixed clover N. A microplot study with a red clover ( L.)-perennial ryegrass ( L.) model mixture was conducted within zero fertilised, bio-organic and conventional field plots of the DOK (bio-Dynamic, bio-Organic, Konventionell) long-term experiment during two consecutive years.