Author
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Russelle, Michael |
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Submitted to: Alfalfa National Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2004 Publication Date: 12/15/2004 Citation: Russelle, M.P. 2004. Environmental impacts of N2 fixation by alfalfa. In: Proceedings of the Alfalfa National Symposium, December 13-15, 2004, San Diego, California. p. 57-62. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Symbiotic N2 fixation by alfalfa provides substantial amounts of nitrogen (N) to livestock operations, subsequent crops, and soil organic matter. Fixed N can be a pollutant if alfalfa is not managed well. Symbiotic N2 fixation is an adaptive process that declines as other N supplies increase. Well-managed stands of alfalfa effectively absorb mineralized N from manure and remove residual nitrate from the subsoil, irrigation water, and shallow ground water, and fix less N from the air. Although N losses can occur both during and after alfalfa production, it is possible to use this adaptive N2 fixation process to reduce excess N supplies on farms. |
