Enhancing Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) introduction to different soil types through inoculation with rhizobia strain

摘要

Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) is a very nutritious and productive forage legume with great potential for livestock in Mediterranean farming systems. Its cultivation in Sardinia is confined to areas where its native specific rhizobium is available. Although a large proportion of Sardinian soils have the potential to grow Sulla, its use is limited by the absence of the inoculation practice with appropriate rhizobia strain. Forty three dairy sheep farms, located in different areas of Sardinia, were selected to introduce inoculated Sulla in paddocks (1 or 2 ha) for the first time. The altitude of the sites ranged between 1 and 650 m above sea level (a.s.l); soil texture varied between clay, sandy-clay to loamy soil withpH (H_2O) ranging from 5.4 to 8.5. On each farm, plant establishment and nodulation scores were measured. Inoculation was shown to be a successful means of establishing Sulla in soil considered hostile to the species.