EXCEPTIONAL FORAGE REGROWTH, NODULATION AND NITROGENASE ACTIVITY OF KUDZU (PUEARIA-LOBATA (WILLD) OHIVI) GROWN ON ERODED DOUGHERTY LOAM SUBSOIL

Kudzu (Puerarialobata (Willd.) Ohivi) is a hardy, perennial deciduous legume and a high protein, preferred forage for all livestock and poultry. However, when underutilized for pasturage, Kudzu's unrestricted, robust climbing vine development is impressive to highway travelers throughout the southeastern United States. Kudzu was effectively utilized for erosion control and soil improvement following introduction to the U.S. from Japan in 1876. Unique characteristics include distinctive nodulation with high nitrogenase activity levels, rapid regrowth of pastured foliage, profuse xylem transport of ureide components adjunctive to nitrogen fixation, and the very useful characteristic of vigorous, productive adaptiveness to eroded, low fertility soils. The objective of this study was to determine plant nutrient interactions influencing Kudzu regrowth, nodulation, nodule histology, and xylem exudate components. Available soil phosphorus within eroded, Dougherty loam subsoil was the limiting plant nutrient for Kudzu growth, nodulation and nitrogenase activity. Significant Increases with K and Ca onIy resulted when combined with P fertilization. Distinctive nodule morphology includes prominent mesothelial sclerenchyma closely associated with high levels of ureide synthates. Vigorous regrowth, nodulation and nitrogenase activity levels of Kudzu occurred with 30 day interval clipping. Profuse xylem exudate of clipped stems provided quantitative determinations of nodule ureide transformation and transport components. Governing enzyme associations for glyoxylate transition were determined with improved, precise histology and specific cytological compartmentative polystain techniques. © 1990, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.