Pre-laboratory study:
In different cultivation systems (hydroponics, pots filled with field soil) a number of genotypes from plantain, phacelia and 3 grass species will be screened for BNI capacity (plantain) and markers for efficient P mobilization (phacelia, grasses). Best candidates will be chosen as undersown crops for the maize field experiment.
Field study:
At a site in Northern Germany, maize field trials with different combinations of selected plantain and phacelia/grass genotypes as undersown crops will be performed in two subsequent years. We will determine their impact on soil nitrification and P availability under maize as well as the N- and P-efficiency of the main crop.
