African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6863

Full Length Research Paper

Short-term effect of different green manure on soil chemical and biological properties

Nilza Silva Carvalho
  • Nilza Silva Carvalho
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Antônio Bruno Bitencourt Oliveira
  • Antônio Bruno Bitencourt Oliveira
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Maristella Moura Calaço Pessoa
  • Maristella Moura Calaço Pessoa
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Vicente Paulo Costa Neto
  • Vicente Paulo Costa Neto
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Ricardo Silva de Sousa
  • Ricardo Silva de Sousa
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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João Rodrigues da Cunha
  • João Rodrigues da Cunha
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Arthur Gonçalves Coutinho
  • Arthur Gonçalves Coutinho
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Vilma Maria dos Santos
  • Vilma Maria dos Santos
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Ademir Sergio Ferreira de Araujo
  • Ademir Sergio Ferreira de Araujo
  • Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Campus of Socopo, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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  •  Received: 06 May 2015
  •  Accepted: 18 June 2015
  •  Published: 22 October 2015

Abstract

The use of different legume species, as green manure, may affect differently soil biological and chemical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four legumes species used as green manure on soil biological and chemical properties in short-term. We evaluated the following legume species: Crotalaria, Cajanus, Mucuna and Canavalia. The study was arranged in a completely randomised design with four replicates. The plants were incorporated into the soil (0-20 cm) by harrow and the chemical and biological properties were evaluated 30 and 60 days from the incorporation. Soil chemical and biological properties showed different trends according to legume species used. Soil P and K contents were highest in plot with Crotalaria, while soil Ca content was highest in plot with Mucuna. Soil microbial biomass was higher in plot with Mucuna as compared with others green manure species. Fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis was higher in plots with Mucuna and Canavalia than the others plots. Our results supported the hypothesis that different types of legume used as green manure affect differently the biological and chemical properties of soil. In this case, Mucuna was more effective to improve soil biological properties, while Crotalaria seems to be more efficient in the improvement of chemical properties.
 
Key words: Organic fertilization, alternative agriculture, legumes.
 

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