Biological nitrogen fixation of cool‐season legumes in agronomic systems of the Southern Great Plains

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a key ecosystem service rendered by legumes, but quantitative information lacking regarding BNF in the Texas Rolling Plains (TRP), an easterly portion of U.S. Southern Great where cool-season legumes can typically be grown as cash or cover crops dryland conditions. Using three diverse cropping systems studies (Site 1, long-term cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L.]-cover crop systems; Site 2, short-term cotton-cover and 3, transitional organic wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] system), our research objective was to quantify compare associated parameters among four (Austrian winter pea [Pisum sativum subsp. Arvense], hairy vetch [Vicia villosa], crimson clover [Trifolium incarnatum], lentil [Lens culinaris]) different settings. At Sites 1 had growth 2.73 3.44 Mg ha−1, greatest percent N derived from atmosphere (%Ndfa; 57.2–72.6%) and, depending on site, level (67–74 kg ha−1). Results system 3) demonstrated also productive when intercropped with N-poor soil, exceptionally high %Ndfa (92.7%). Hairy differed %Ndfa, comparable (46–51 ha−1) at 2. Growth poor. This data provides insights how differ TRP year legume average for region. The has volatile climate, however, indicating further study needed fully understand benefit provide