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Behaviour of the Root Nodules in Soybean in the Presence of Nitrogen: The Use of a Statistical Simulation Model
Author(s) -
Bona S.,
Maculan A.,
Mosca G.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of agronomy and crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.095
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1439-037X
pISSN - 0931-2250
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-037x.1991.tb00872.x
Subject(s) - nitrogenase , nitrogen fixation , nitrogen , root nodule , agronomy , dry weight , biology , fixation (population genetics) , field experiment , chemistry , horticulture , zoology , biochemistry , gene , organic chemistry
Two varieties of soybean were grown in large pots out of doors. At the R2 stage, a state of temporary root anoxia appeared caused by a heavy rainfall and in R3, nitrogen was applied. The nitrogenase activity of the nodules was measured at weekly intervals (ARA test). During the vegetative stage, the number of nodules and their weight increased rapidly, although the anoxia caused a slowing down followed by a recovery in the successive stages (R3–5). The same effect was apparent in consequence of a late nitrogen fertilization; both varieties attaining values close to those of the control 15 days after the treatment. Nitrogenase activity also showed an inhibition caused by the anoxia but it appeared earlier. During the latest stages of the cycle (R6–7), the nitrogen treatment increased the rate of nitrogen fixation in Hodgson 78 only. The use of a multiple regression model allowed a verification that the parameters controlling nitrogen fixation acted in a similar way in both varieties. In the field, the weight of the nodules, both single and total, appeared to be particularly important in determining the total nitrogen fixation rate.