Modifying traditional and high-input agroecosystems for optimization of microbial symbioses: A cases study of dry beans in Costa Rica

Optimization of symbioses between plants and microbes has been suggested as a method for enhancing nutrient uptake in low-input agroecosystems. In general symbioses may be maximized through: (1) the selection of plant cultivars responsive to symbionts; (2) inoculation with highly efficient strains o...

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Published in:Agriculture, ecosystems & environment ecosystems & environment, 1992-01, Vol.40 (1-4), p.61-70
Main Authors: Rosemeyer, ME, Gliessman, SR
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Phaseolus vulgaris
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Summary:Optimization of symbioses between plants and microbes has been suggested as a method for enhancing nutrient uptake in low-input agroecosystems. In general symbioses may be maximized through: (1) the selection of plant cultivars responsive to symbionts; (2) inoculation with highly efficient strains of symbionts; (3) habitat modification to encourage symbioses. These methods were tested under a traditional, slash mulch "frijol tapado" bean agroecosystem and/or a high-input ("espequeado") system to increase nodulation and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) of beans with the following results: Under the espequeado system (modified by the exclusion of fertilizer application), four cultivars of indeterminate, vining dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris ) nodulated more than two determinate, bush varieties, especially under low available soil phosphorus (P). VAM levels were not statistically different under these conditions. Under the tapado system, pelletization with rock phosphate and Rhizobium inoculum did not significantly change nodule biomass, dinitrogen (N sub(2))-fixation or yield.
ISSN:0167-8809