EUCALYPTUS-ACACIA MIXED PLANTING EFFECTS ON THE NODULAR NITROGENASE AND NITRATE REDUCTASE ACTIVITY IN ACACIA NILOTICA SEEDLINGS

Abstract

Effects of Eucalyptus mixed planting on the seasonal patterns of nitrogenase and nitrate reductase activites and nodule biomass were reported in the roots of Acacia nilotica seedlings. Nitrogenase and in vivo nitrate reductase activities and nodule biomass per plant followed almost similar trends in Acacia single and Eucalyptus-Acacia mixed planting treatments. No significant effects were observed in nitrogenase and nitrate reductase activities in acacia nodules in the mixed planting compared to single. However, nitrogenase activity and nodule biomass varied seasonally in both the planting treatments.