Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Latati M., Blavet Didier, Alkama N., Laoufi H., Drevon J. J., Gerard F., Pansu Marc, Ounane S. M. (2014). The intercropping cowpea-maize improves soil phosphorus availability and maize yields in an alkaline soil. Plant and Soil, 385 (1-2), p. 181-191. ISSN 0032-079X.

Titre du document
The intercropping cowpea-maize improves soil phosphorus availability and maize yields in an alkaline soil
Année de publication
2014
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000345283400013
Auteurs
Latati M., Blavet Didier, Alkama N., Laoufi H., Drevon J. J., Gerard F., Pansu Marc, Ounane S. M.
Source
Plant and Soil, 2014, 385 (1-2), p. 181-191 ISSN 0032-079X
Aim This study assessed whether growing cowpea can increase phosphorus (P) availability in the rhizosphere and improve the yield of legume-cereal systems. In alkaline Mediterranean soils with P deficiency, it is assumed that legumes increase inorganic P availability. Methods A field experiment was conducted at the Staoueli experimental station, in Algiers province, Algeria, to compare the growth, grain yield, P availability, and P uptake by plants with sole-cropped cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. cv. Moh Ouali) and maize (Zea mays L. cv. ILT), intercropped cowpea-maize, and fallow. Results P availability in the rhizosphere was increased in both sole cropping and intercropping systems compared with fallow. It was highest in intercropping. The increase in P availability was associated with (i) significant pH changes of the rhizosphere of cowpea in sole cropping and intercropping systems, with the rhizosphere acidification significantly higher in intercropping (-0.73 units) than in sole cropping (-0.42 units); (ii) significant increase in the rhizosphere pH of intercropped maize (+0.49 units) compared to fallow; (iii) increased soil respiration (C-CO2 from microbial and root activity) in intercropping compared with sole cropping and fallow; and (iv) higher efficiency in utilization of the rhizobial symbiosis in intercropping than in sole-cropped cowpea. Conclusion With cowpea-maize intercropping, cowpea increased the P uptake, by increasing the P availability by rhizosphere pH changes in an alkaline soil. Overall, this study showed that intercropping cowpea improved the plant biomass and grain yield of maize in this soil.
Plan de classement
Pédologie [068] ; Sciences du monde végétal [076]
Description Géographique
ALGERIE
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010063509]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010063509
Contact