Nitrogen fixation (Acetylene Reduction) by annual winter legumes on a coal surface mine
The winter annuals, crimson clover, rose clover, subterranean clover and hairy vetch, were evaluated for nitrogen fixing capacity on coal surface mine substrates by measuring their ability to reduce acetylene to ethylene. The effects of fertilizer, Abruzzi rye, Kentucky 31 fescue grass and a phytotoxic plant Chenopodium album on nitrogen fixation were also assessed. Crimson clover was recommended as the best legume to use on topsoil and shale in the south. Hairy vetch gave good results on shale and subterranean clover did well on topsoil. The use of these species for revegetation is discussed. Overall, no correlation between substrate pH and ethylene levels was found and effects of substrate depended upon the legume species. Super phosphate fertilizer supported less nitrogen fixation than 13-13-13. Abruzzi rye in some unknown way inhibited plant density and nitrogen fixation by legumes but not by free living substrate micro-organisms. Shale from under dead Chenopodium plants in both field and greehouse experiments did not inhibit nitrogen fixation. 7 tables.
- OSTI ID:
- 6394536
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
LAND RECLAMATION
REVEGETATION
LEGUMINOSAE
NITROGEN FIXATION
SURFACE MINING
ACETYLENE
CLOVER
COAL MINES
ETHYLENE
FERTILIZERS
PH VALUE
REDUCTION
RYE
VICIA
ALKENES
ALKYNES
CEREALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
HYDROCARBONS
MINES
MINING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
010900* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects
012000 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Mining
510500 - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (-1989)