Absolute values only show part of the whole : evidence of P limitation in legumes in the CFR from N:P ratios

The influence of nutrient limitation in legumes and non-legumes was studied in the field, on nutrient poor and nutrient rich sites in the CFR in the western Cape of South Africa. 6 species of legume and 11 species of non-legume, along with their corresponding soils were taken for macro and micronutrient analysis. Results indicate that legume soils were more nutrient rich than non-legume soils, with Na, K, Mg, Ca and C being higher in at least one of the legume soils. pH was significantly lower in 2 of the legume soils. Resultantly, this enhancing nutrient availability. Legume plants were more nutrient rich than non-legumes, with significantly higher Zn, Fe, P, C and N concentrations, and lower C:N and C:P ratios. Legumes appeared to have a more efficient nutrient uptake strategy. However, the higher N:P ratio of legumes suggests that despite higher absolute nutrient concentrations, legumes were P limited. This study confirms that legumes are more P stressed than non-legumes in the CFR.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Duckworth, Greg

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Chimphango, Samson B M

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26317

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/26317