The effect of Lupinus arboreus on the nitrogen status of china clay wastes.
Abstract
Lupinus arboreus rapidly colonizes micaceous china clay wastes, which are deficient in N, P, Ca and K. N accumulated at rates of about 180 Kg ha-1y-1 on areas where L. arboreus was established. The concentration of total, inorganic and mineralizable N increased in these soils. Non-legume species colonized the soil beneath L. arboreus and apparently benefited from the increased soil N status. L. arboreus is tolerant of soils with low concentrations of major plant nutrients; this, and its ability to fix atmospheric N, makes it a suitable pioneer species for reclaiming wastes of low fertility.