DINITROGEN FIXATION AND GROWTH-RESPONSES TO PHOSPHORUS AND ALUMINUM APPLICATION IN PIGEON PEA (CAJANUS-CAJAN L)

Responses to aluminum phosphate (Al-P) and superphosphate (Sup-P) application in terms of dry matter production by pigeon pea and soybean were compared under field conditions. The effect of aluminum on growth and symbiotic dinitrogen fixation was examined under hydroponic conditions. In a field experiment, Al-P application significantly increased whole plant dry weight and P amount in pigeon pea, whereas in soybean, Al-P application had no significant effect on the two parameters. The results indicate that P absorption ability from Al-P is higher in pigeon pea compared to soybean. With Al-P application, leaf and whole plant Al concentration in pigeon pea significantly increased unlike in soybean. Under hydroponic conditions, 50 mg L(-1) Al application increased the plant weight of pigeon pea while it decreased that of soybean. This treatment decreased the total nodule activity of soybean more appreciably than that of pigeon pea. Under the Al treatment conditions, whole plant P amount increased in pigeon pea, whereas it decreased in soybean, and the amount of Al increased more appreciably in pigeon pea, most of which was deposited in roots. These results suggest that compared to soybean, pigeon pea displays a higher ability to absorb P from P compounds with a low solubility i.e. Al-P and that it is more tolerant to Al toxicity.