Bases and benefits of the joint management of Canavalia ensiformis and mycorrhizal inoculants in agricultural production

Abstract

Introduction. The supply of nutrients is a decisive component of agroecosystems, but in Cuba only 25 % of cultivated areas are fertilized, negatively influencing their productivity. Based on the benefits of mycorrhizal inoculants and green manures, their integration was evaluated with the objectives of establishing more efficient nutrient supply schemes, which guarantee high yields with lower amounts of fertilizers and a way for the effective mycorrhization of crops. Methods. The response of Canavalia to the inoculation of three AMF strains in eight edaphic conditions was evaluated, as well as eleven integration experiments of the green manures inoculated as precedents and or intercropped in the nutrient supply schemes of cassava, banana, tobacco, corn, tomato, coffee and king-grass. Furthermore, AMF and rhizobia co-inoculation was studied. Results. The Canavalia responded positively to mycorrhizal inoculation, with average increases in biomass, NPK contents and mycorrhizal propagules between 50 % and 300 %. The effectiveness of the strains depended on the pH of the soil. The Canavalia inoculated and used as a precedent or intercropped was successfully integrated into the fertilization schemes of the crops, guaranteeing high yields, effective mycorrhizal functioning and reducing fertilizer requirements between 25 and 75 %. Co-inoculation increased the potentiality of the Canavalia. Conclusions. The inoculated Canavalia was a satisfactory way for the effective management of the mycorrhizal symbiosis, forming more efficient agricultural production technologies and with lower amounts of inputs.