| The success of organic cropping systems depends on symbiotic N2 fixation by leguminous crops, and it is important to explore new management systems to improve the nitrogen input through N2 fixation. During two growing seasons the possible advantage of growing fababean in ridges in comparison to the traditional method on the flat was studied. Differences in soil physical parameters resulted in a significantly greater microbial activity and a deeper root system at the flowering stage when grown in ridges than on the flat. Consequently, the amount of fixed N at flowering was significantly greater in ridges than in flat soil. However, during the period from flowering until harvest, when the major part of the N uptake and N2 fixation took place the differences... |
