Nitrogen cycling in coffee agroecosystems; net N mineralization and nitrification in the presence and absence of shade trees
Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) agroecosystems in Costa Rica receive relatively large inputs of N through fertilization (approximately 30 g N m -2 year -1). However, little is known regarding the rate at which N is mineralization from organic matter and its subsequent transformation within the soil. We studied the seasonal and spatial variation of N transformation in coffee plantations with and without shade trees in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Net N mineralization and net nitrification, assayed using an in situ incubation procedure, were measured at monthly intervals for 1 year. Both net N mineralization and net nitrification displayed marked seasonal variation;the significantly lowest rates occurred during the dry season (January - March). The mean annual rate of net N mineralization was 14.8 g N m -2 year -1 in shaded and 11.1 g N m-2 year -1 in unshaded plantations; 95 of mineralized N was oxidized to NO-3 in both plantation types. Even though N availability was greater in unshaded plantations, related studies indicate that leaching losses are less than those from unshaded plantations. In combination, these results suggest that N is cycled more conservatively in shaded plantations than in unshaded plantations.
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
1994
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| Subjects: | COFFEA ARABICA, CICLO BIOGEOQUIMICO, NITROGENO, NITRIFICACION, ECOSISTEMA, MINERALIZACION, ARBOLES DE SOMBRA, COSTA RICA, |
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