Legume nutrition is improved by neighbouring grasses

Abstract Background Combinations of grasses and nitrogen-fixing legumes are ubiquitous in most natural derived pastoral grasslands. This was not formerly the case New Zealand’s unique indigenous grasslands that now frequently impacted by exotic pasture legumes. Understanding co-existence native plants is broad focus this research. Aims Spillover nitrogen (N) from clovers to diverse well known. We question whether provide reciprocal nutritional benefits Does mutual exploitation soil biogeochemistry help explain their coexistence and, if so, does have implications for biodiversity NZ’s novel grassland communities? Methods legumes, including a tussock grass, were grown nutrient-poor (low P, S, Ca, Mg, Mn, B) high country pot experiment, quantifying foliar acquisition nutrients soil. Field data obtained sampling foliage clover single- mixed-species patches more fertile lowland pasture. Results Benefits legume grass growing together reflected enhanced productivity higher uptake range key nutrients. evident but restricted combination two species: cocksfoot white clover. In soil, grew better with different species introduced grasses. Uptake elements significantly differed combinations compared individual species. Elevated concentrations K S recorded when grasses, although Ca lower. Expected reduction N or recorded. Mass balance (total extraction pool) showed exploit (particularly Zn, Mn Mo) effectively than single alone. only tissue K, Zn increased procured less Cu B, Ca. Conclusions The findings indicative mutualistic relationship: derive Native contained suggesting compatibility lack adaptation coexistence.