engleski

The effect of rhizobial inoculation and liming on alfalfa production in Croatia

Alfalfa is one of the most important forage legumes which forms symbiotic relation with nitrogen fixing bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti. The growth, persistance of alfalfa and the benefits of symbiotic relation are impaired in moderately acid soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with different rhizobial strains and application of two liming materials (limestone and Agrarvital) on alfalfa production on acid soil. The results of field experiment clearly showed positive effect of inoculation and liming on alfalfa dry matter yield and crude protein yield. Significant differences among S. meliloti strains were also determined, suggesting that rhizobial strains differ in their ability to tolerate soil acidity. Liming also significantly improved alfalfa dry matter and crude protein yield compared to control plots without liming. The results of this study suggest that liming and inoculation with suitable rhizobial strains may improve alfalfa production on acid soils.

alfalfa; inoculation; Sinorhizobium meliloti; strains; liming; yield

Rad je prezentiran na skupu VII. Alps-Adria Scientific Workshop, održanom od 28.04.-02.05.2008, Stara Lesna, Slovačka.