The mesophytic leguminous species that are suitable as green manures for lowland rice fall into two broad types, as distinguished by their contrasting niches in the cropping system: pre-rice and post-rice green manures. Most prominent in recent research are the pre - rice green manures, due to the recent introduction of water logging tolerant, stem-modulating species such as Sesbania rostrata. Post-rice green manures (eg. Astragalus sinica, Indigofera tinctoria) have historically played a much greater role in Asian agriculture, and new forage systems are further expanding the options in these niches. During the 1980s Asian rice farming systems continued to intensify and commercialize. Changing green manure technology is interacting dynamically with cropping systems in rapid flux.
Publication year
1993
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
cropping systems, green manures, legumes, rice
