Dinitrogen fixation and transfer in legume‐crested wheatgrass mixtures on semiarid rangelands

摘要: Abstract The inclusion of legumes in grass pastures often increases forage quality due to the transfer fixed N from associated grasses. This benefit may be important for crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum L. Gaertn. and A. desertorum Fisch. ex (Link) Schult.] growing on western rangelands where productivity is frequently N‐limited. To evaluate this benefit, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or annual sweetclover (Melilotus alba Medik. var. annua Coe) was interplanted with Hycrest × single species rows 15N‐labeled Aquic Argiustoll Calcic Argixeroll soils Cache Valley Tintic Valley, Utah, respectively. Crested herbage had significantly lower 15N concentrations when grown near than monoculture, l5N monoculture alfalfa. Sweetclover w...