Effect of Phosphorus Application and Rhizobium Inoculation on Two Cultivars of Alfalfa II. Growth and Nodulation

Abstract

The effects of phosphorus application, rhizobium inoculation and cultivar on growth and nodulation of alfalfa were studied in pot experiments, on 8 weeks old plants during the period 15th January - 15th March 1992 and on 10 weeks old plants during the period 15th January -end of March 1993. The treatments included phosphorus application, rhizobium inoculation and two alfalfa cultivars (Hegazi and Pioneer 5929). Phosphorus fertilizer in the form of triple superphosphate (48 % P) was applied at a rate of 50 kg of P2O5 /ha. Both phosphorus application and rhizobium inoculation of seeds significantly increased growth parameters (plant height, shoot fresh and dry weights, and root fresh and dry weights) and improved nodulation of the two cultivars, both at 8 and 10 weeks of age. The introduced cultivar Pioneer 5929 was superior to the local variety Hegazi in all growth parameters, except plant height, and in nodulation both at 8 and 10 weeks of age.