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Evaluation of N2 Fixation Ability and Biomass Production of Some Legume Trees in Bangladesh

M. A. Haque
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture P. O. Box 4, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

M.K. Khan
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture P. O. Box 4, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

M.I. Ali
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture P. O. Box 4, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

S. U. Patwary
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture P. O. Box 4, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The N₂ fixing ability of six legume trees were evaluated using ¹⁵N isotope with three reference trees. The result obtained after eight months of study showed that Samanea saman and Acacia auriculiformis produced maximum height, canopy size, dry matter yield and total N accumulation compared to all other legume trees excepting Acacia farnesiona which gave higher dry matter yield. It was observed that Samanea saman fixed the highest amount of N₂ that ranged from 59 to 71 % (av. 66%) of the total N as estimated using different reference trees. This was followed by Dalbergia sissoo which fixed an average of 48% nitrogen irrespective of the reference trees used. Therefore, it was suggested that Samanea saman is not only a promising N₂ fixer but also a reasonably high biomass producing legume three which could be selected for the promotion of the agroforestry systems as a first preference foil wed by Dalbergia sissoo.

Keywords: Biomass production, Legume trees, N2 fixation

Location: Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture campus farm, Mymensingh

Start Date: 00-00-1995

End Date: 00-00-1996

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

To quantify the N₂ fixing ability of some legume trees under field conditions by using ¹⁵N isotope and to select them for the promotion of agroforestry systems.

Methodology:

The experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture campus farm, Mymensingh during the year of 1995 and 1996. It is an extension of the farm and has not been used for any cropping. The soil was sandy in texture containing 0.55% organic carbon, 0.02% total N, 13.0 ppm available P, 0.03 m.e%K, CEC 8.0 m.e% and pH 6. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments comprised of 6 (six) legume trees like Samanea sman, Tamarindus indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia farnesiana, Acacia auriculiforms and Delonix regia and three nonlegume reference trees namely Swietenia mahogani, Terminalia aurguna and Azadircahta indica. Each plot was 10 m x 8 m in size which was sub-divided into 6m x 6m isotope sub-plot in the middle of the plot and the outside boarder used as guard area. Around each of ¹⁵N isotope subplot two layers of polythene sheet was placed by cutting trenches of 1 m deep and covering with soil leaving about 10 cm of the polythene lining on top to be seen. Seedlings were raised in a nursery in polythene bags. About 15 days after emergence of shoot each plant was inoculated with suitable inoculants. Three months old seedlings were transplanted in the field. In ¹⁵N sub-plot the legume and non legume reference tree were transplanted alternately in rows as well as in columns keeping in distance between them. ¹⁵N labeled ammonium sulphate having 10.12% atom excess was applied uniformly at the rate of 20 kg N/ha. The labeled N fertilizer was applied in three equal splits. The first split application was made after three months of transplanting while the other two splits were at 45 days interval. Other nutrients application and agronomic practices were followed as recommended for the area. Before harvesting (after eight months of transplanting), different growth parameters like plant height, girth (3 cm above ground) and canopy size of the legume trees in each isotope sub-plot were measured. All plants in the ¹⁵N sub- plot were harvested at about 2-3 cm above ground. Leaves, stem+branches and roots were separated, weighed, and dried in an oven at 70°C for 48 hrs. Then the samples were ground and stored for total-N and ¹⁵N analysis. The ¹⁵N atom excess of the samples were analyzed by IAEA in their Laboratories at Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria. The proportion of N derived from the atmosphere (% Ndfa) was calculated following the isotope dilution technique.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Nuclear Agriculture. Vol: 13, pp: 59-64, 1997

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

A practical implication of this is that there is a chance of reaching different conclusion on the N2 fixation potential of species and provenance depending on the growth stage. Since trees are normally perennial, long duration studies are therefore needed. However, early N₂fixation is essential for good establishment of nitrogen fixing trees and cultivars. In the present study out of six legume trees Samanea saman fixed the highest amount of nitrogen (66%) from atmosphere. It can be concluded that this tree may be the most suitable for the development of agroforestry systems to improve the N fertility status of the soil.

Knowledge Management: Journal