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Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2002 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 8 | Page No.: 512-517
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Research Article

Comparison of Three Green Manures for Growth and VA Mycorrhizal Colonization in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Rukhsana Bajwa, Nazma Aslam and Arshad Javaid

ABSTRACT

The influence of three leguminous green manures viz. Trifolium alexandrianum, Medicago polymorpha and Melilotus parviflora on growth, yield and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) colonization in maize (Zea mays L.) was examined and compared with recommended NPK fertilizers. The three green manuring plants contained 4.44, 2.45 and 3.17% nitrogen; 0.065, 0.089 and -0.122% phosphorus and 1.24, 1.89 and 0.8% potassium, respectively. NPK fertilizers suppressed VAM colonization whereas green manures generally favoured it. The study of correlation coefficient revealed that there was a variable pattern of correlation between N, P and K contents of green manures and various parameters of VAM colonization, at different growth stages. All the soil amendments enhanced shoot growth in terms of length and biomass, at all the three growth stages. Effect of Trifolium was similar to that of NPK fertilizers while Medicago and Melilotus were proved significantly superior than NPK fertilizers in increasing shoot biomass. Negative and significant correlation of shoot length and biomass with N contents of green manures was observed whereas with P content the correlation was positive and highly significant. Root length and biomass was increased by NPK fertilizers and either of the green manure amendment. Pattern of correlation of root length and biomass with N and P contents of green manures was similar to that of shoot. Highest cob biomass was recorded in mixed green manure followed by Medicago and Melilotus, respectively. Difference was significant as compared with control, NPK fertilizers and Trifolium. A highly significant and negative correlation was recorded between cob biomass and N content of the green manures. Pattern of correlation of root and shoot growth and cob biomass with various parameters of VAM colonization was variable and insignificant at different growth stages.
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