Etude de la dynamique de l'azote à haute altitude. I. Fixation d'azote (réduction de l'acétylène) par Alnus viridis
During two vegetative seasons (1977, 1978), Alnus viridis Chaix root nodules were incubated in the field and assayed for nitrogen fixing activity by acetylene reduction method. In green alder the nitrogenase activity took place with the first opening of buds (June); maximum values were attained in July–August; the activity decreased steadily until leaf fall, and then ceased. Diurnal fluctuations in acetylene reducing activity were observed, the 1400-hour values were twice those of 1000 hours. The optimal temperature for nitrogenase activity was below 20 °C; this fact would be in relation with better adaptation of Alnus viridis to cold climate. The nodular biomass being only 40 kg/ha, the nitrogen fixed during the vegetative season (mid-June to mid-October) was only about 8 kg/ha. Symbiotic fixation accounted for only 10% of the nitrogen requirements of green alder.