Crop Response to Green Manure Systems in Acidic Albic Luvisols

Abstract

The selection of green manure species should consider their impact on soil reaction and nutrient mineralization capacity. Rapeseed and sunflower proved to be the most suitable for correcting soil acidity and maintaining a stable agrochemical balance. The use of pea as a green manure is recommended to improve wheat quality, while chemical fertilization remains essential for ensuring a competitive yield level. The general conclusion is that sunflower responds favorably to green manures with weed-suppressing effects (rapeseed, triticale); however, harvest quality can vary considerably, requiring careful selection of the agricultural practice combination. Maize benefits from crop rotations preceded by species with high organic matter input and biological nitrogen fixation capacity, such as pea and sunflower. The use of these species as green manures is justified both agrochemically and economically. In areas with acidic soils and low fertility, the systematic integration of green manures, combined with moderate chemical fertilization and crop rotation, represents a sustainable and effective strategy for long-term improvement of soil quality and agricultural performance.