Microbial changes in clover rhizosphere after foliar and soil application of cobalt

Application of cobalt(II) nitrate to the leaves of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) resulted in a pronounced increase of dry weight and the number of root nodules. Counts of bacteria in the rhizosphere, content of ammonia and production of carbon dioxide in rhizosphere soil were also higher, whereas the content of nitrates decreased. Differences in the counts of bacteria, actinomycetes, Azotobacter, anaerobic bacteria and cellulose decomposing bacteria in the rhizosphere of control and treated plants were not directly related to the way of application of cobalt. Genera Penicillium, Fusarium and Trichoderma predominated among fungi. The relative occurrence of penicillia was higher after the application of cobalt, the incidence of fusaria was lower. The effects of foliar and soil application of cobalt on rhizosphere microflora were not identical.