Partitioning of 15N labelled mineral nitrogen in acacia and coconut
1990
Zakra, N. | Ouvrier, Maurice | De Taffin, Gabriel | Weaver, R.W.
Many of the coconut plantations in Côte d'lvoire have deteriorated owing to loss of legume ground cover and soil fertility. It has not been possible to restore the ground cover but tree legumes have been proposed as an alternative to rejuvenate the soil and at the same time provide a source of fuel wood. Experiments were undertaken to provide background information that will be needed in evaluating the ability of #Acacia# trees to increase soil N and contribute N to coconut. Partitioning of N in four-year-old coconut and #Acacia# trees was measured six months after application of 15N labelled ammonium sulphate to the soil. The results showed that the labelled N was distributed throughout both tree types. The highest concentration of label was located in tissues that were actively growing during the six months after N application but a considerable amount of N was also contained in tissues that were physiologically mature. Approximately half of the dry matter of legume trees was contained in the woody tissue but most of the N was contained in the green portion of the trees. It appears that the legume trees could potentially be used as a source of fuel wood and still be useful in increasing the N and organic matter content of the soil. (Résumé d'auteur)
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