Nitrogen Fertilisation Modulates Photosynthetic Performance and Antioxidant Defence Mechanisms in Intercropped Cactus...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Agronomy

Background:

• Semi-arid agriculture faces water and soil fertility challenges.
• Forage cactus, utilizing crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), is vital but requires optimal nitrogen management.
• Limited research exists on nitrogen's impact on cactus productivity and physiology in intercropping systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of varying nitrogen fertilization doses on forage cactus intercropped with sorghum or pigeon pea.
• To evaluate impacts on productive, photochemical, physiological, and biochemical parameters.
• To determine optimal nitrogen levels for intercropping systems in semi-arid regions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized block design experiment was conducted with forage cactus intercropped with sorghum or pigeon pea.
• Five nitrogen fertilization doses (0, 75, 150, 300, 450 kg N ha⁻¹) were applied.
• Biometric, productive, photochemical, physiological, and biochemical parameters were assessed.

Main Results:

• Nitrogen fertilization increased photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, pigment, and soluble protein levels.
• Lipid peroxidation was reduced with increasing nitrogen doses.
• The cactus-pigeon pea system showed optimal performance at 150 kg N ha⁻¹, while the cactus-sorghum system required 450 kg N ha⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• Nitrogen management significantly influences forage cactus physiological and productive parameters in intercropping.
• The optimal nitrogen dose varies between intercropping partners (pigeon pea vs. sorghum).
• Strategic nitrogen application can enhance forage cactus productivity and resilience in semi-arid environments.