Contribution of Cover Crop Residue Decomposition to Peach Tree Nitrogen Nutrition

Cover crop nitrogen (N) cycling has an important role in agricultural production and contributes to peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] N nutrition. This study evaluated black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) residue decomposition dynamics, recovery from cover residues, compartmentalization tree organs. A 2-year field trial was developed with labeled (3.6–4.0 atom% 15N excess) shoot biomass application a 5-year-old orchard. The region’s climate is warm temperate (Cfb), the soil classified as Typic Hapludalf. Litter bags unlabeled residues were also deposited orchard assess biomass, carbon (C), N, lignin, cellulose, non-structural dynamics. After 13 months, leaves, trunk, roots showed greatest proportion of derived (Ndfr) (35.4, 25.1, 22.4%, respectively) while concentrations Ndfr occurred <2 mm (0.0376 0.94%, respectively). shoots second cycle similar among Ryegrass presented highest constant (k) values for dry matter, total organic (TOC), lignin. Hence, higher half-life (t½) TOC, mature trees expressively low (<1%) between species. Within organs, leaves during flowering stage, when rate occurred. Soil plant internal reserves are major sources newly formed but greater contributions nutrition may occur long-term deposition different