Effect of nitrogen fertilization and shade type in soil quality and nitrogen assimilation in Ecuadorian Amazon Coffea canephora agroecosystems
In the Amazon basin, Robusta (Coffea canephora) is produced in contrasting agroecosystems of low input, shade-based smallholder production, or in intensively managed monoculture plantations that differ in nitrogen (N) availability and productivity. This study aimed to determine whether the shade trees and proper addition of N-fertilizer in coffee plantations may provide soil fertility benefits and contribute to soil quality and crop productivity. Full sun had a positive effect on enzyme activities, potentially mineralizable N (PMN), available ammonium (NH4-N), leaf %N and leaf N:P. Enzyme activities as well as NH4-N were greater under low input, whereas high input yielded greater PMN, leaf N and leaf N:P. Protease was positively associated with PMN (R = 0.60, P = 0.003) but unrelated to the activities of the aminopeptidases, and carbon (C) mineralizing enzymes. Permanganate oxidizable C (POXC) and nitrate (NO3-N) were similar across input and shade managements but more variable under shade relative to full sun. Low input offers limited improvements in soil N cycling increasing by 53% the enzymatic activity and N availability by 31% relative to high input under Robusta coffee production in this region. Whereas, high input improves PMN and Robusta N uptake (Leaf N). Relatively lower response in enzymatic activities, C and N stocks, and leaf N under shade management suggests that although it is a common smallholder practice in this region, leguminous tree-based agroforestry may not close N needs of Robusta as effectively as higher N inputs.
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| Format: | Thesis biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
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Zamorano: Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, 2020.
2020
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| Subjects: | Carbon and nitrogen dynamic, Enzymatic activities, N-mineralizing, Shade-based, |
| Online Access: | https://bdigital.zamorano.edu/handle/11036/6770 |
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