Abstract

MATIAS-RAMOS, Moisés et al. Potential of legume species as soil fertility enhancers in tropical regions. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2023, vol.14, n.4, pp.531-541.  Epub Aug 04, 2023. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v14i4.3152.

An alternative to enhance the fertility of agricultural soils in tropical areas of Mexico and the world is through the use of vegetation covers and green manures, mainly of species of the family Leguminosae. The objective of this work was to analyze the potential of legumes as soil fertility enhancers in tropical agricultural areas through the documentary research technique, considering scientific research of the last 20 years, period 2000-2023. Derived from the review, 14 species widely studied and 24 more, with high potential as enhancers of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, were determined. The species most used in the tropics are: Mucuna pruriens L. (DC) (biomass: 2.6 to 7.9 t ha-1 year-1, N: 80 to 200 kg ha-1 year-1), Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC (biomass: 4.6 t ha-1 year-1; N: 173 kg ha-1 year-1) and Centrosema macrocarpum Benth (biomass: 9.6 t ha-1 year-1, nitrogen: 311 kg ha-1 year-1). Production in crops associated with legumes has increased by up to 50%. Despite the benefits to soil and production, the acceptance and adoption of legumes has been limited by different causes, among them: lack of perception of the benefits of legumes, failures in the technology generated and applied, and scarce participatory approach in their selection. With the information generated in this work, 10 recommendations were conceived to facilitate the selection of species, provide information that facilitates their adoption and that serves as a basis for future studies.

Keywords : vegetation cover; degradation; organic matter; nitrogen.