Use of Perennial Legumes Living Mulches and Green Manures for the Fertilization of Organic Broccoli
2009; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 15; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1080/19315260802598896
ISSN1931-5279
AutoresFrédéric Thériault, Katrine A. Stewart, Philippe Séguin,
Tópico(s)Seedling growth and survival studies
ResumoFertilization of organic horticultural crops is often problematic due to a scarcity of manure and nutrient sources. Field experiments were conducted in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada, to evaluate red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as perennial living mulches and green manures for the fertilization of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenk). Yield, broccoli N uptake, incidence of hollow stem, and available soil N were increased by both red clover and alfalfa green manures. Available soil N was also increased by alfalfa living mulch. However, competition in living mulch treatments led to equal or reduced yields and broccoli N uptake compared to the unfertilized control. Application of mulch clippings directly on the crop row did not increase nitrogen transfer to broccoli. Living mulches have the potential to supply N but should be mown more frequently to reduce competition with the main crop.
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