
%0 Journal Article
%A Chalk, P. M. 
%T Dynamics of biologically fixed N in legume-cereal rotations: a review
%J Australian Journal of Agricultural Research
%D 1997/03/13
%V 49
%N 3
%P 303-316
%K crop rotations, isotope dilution, 15N benefit, N harvest index, N immobilisation, N sparing, N transfer, N2 fixation.
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/A97013
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/A97013 
%X Agronomically significant N yield responses of cereals following grain legumes compared with cereal monoculture are frequently measured. The positive N response of the cereal has been attributed to the transfer of biologically fixed N, to N-sparing under the antecedent legume, and to less immobilisation of nitrate during the decomposition of legume residues. Methods for estimating the transfer of biologically fixed N in rotations, and for separating the N benefit into fixed N and non-fixed N components, are reviewed. Available data indicate that both sources of N contribute to the N benefit. The role of the grain legume in the gain or drain of soil N is evaluated by considering the balance between symbiotic dependence and N harvest index, as well as long-term changes in total soil N. Several 15N-based techniques for direct estimation of inputs of biologically fixed N to the soil N pool are reviewed. N balances in grain legume-cereal rotations may be positive or negative depending on the legume species, symbiotic performance, and agronomic factors. 
