Effects of mowing on plant nutrient accumulation and regrowth of Crotalaria micans L.

【Objective】To explore the response of Crotalaria micans L. nutrient accumulation and regrowth to mowing mode(mowing period and frequency) and stubble height, and to provide theoretical and technical guidance for green fertilizer management in rubber plantations. 【Method】A total of 12 treatments were set up in a 3-year old rubber orchard: the annual cutting period and frequency were mowings once and twice during vegetative stage and mowings once during flowering stage, and the stubble heights were 20.0, 30.0, 40.0 and 50.0 cm in each mowing period and frequency. The yield and accumulation of dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium of C. micans were monitored under different mowing methods and stubble heights, as well as the germination and regeneration of 1-4months after mowing. 【Result】Mowing methods had significant effects on yield and dry matter and nutrient accumulation(P<0.05, the same below). The yield, dry matter and nutrient accumulation after mowing twice/year during vegetative stage were significantly higher than those after mowing once/year during vegetative stage and mowing once/year during flowering stage. Yield increased by 102.44%-159.62% and 54.96%-149.71%, dry matter accumulation increased by 103.19%-161.44% and 50.46%-142.72%, nitrogen accumulation increased by 102.44%-159.62% and 53.58%-209.70%, respectively. Phosphorus accumulation increased by 100.44%-161.62% and-1.52%-65.73%, potassium accumulation increased by 101.42%-160.64% and-14.95%-108.59%, calcium accumulation increased by 104.42%-157.64% and 46.65%-206.53%, respectively. The accumulation of magnesium increased by 99.62%-155.44% and 81.62%-223.57%, respectively. Stubble height had significant effects on yield and dry matter and nutrient accumulation of C. micans. Among them, the yield, dry matter and nutrient accumulation of tricuspium tricuspium were the highest after cutting once per year at flowering stage and stubble height of 30.0 cm. The yield, dry matter and nutrient accumulation and regeneration were the best when the crop was cut twice/year and the stubble height was 40.0 cm. Variance analysis indicated that mowing methods and stubble heights and their interaction had extremely significant influence on dry matter and nutrient accumulation of C. micans (P<0.01). 【Conclusion】Mowing method and stubble height have significant effects on yield, dry matter and nutrient accumulation and regrowth of C. micans. The best mowing method for the intercropping of the rubber plantation is mowing twice/year during the vegetative period and the stubble height is 40.0 cm.