Impact of catch crop on P mobilization and growth of subsequent crop in field experiment

The impact of serradella (Ornithopus sativus) vs. bare fallow was tested on mycorrhiza formation, potential soil enzyme activities, plant-available P, soil and plant nutrition stocks and yield of subsequent grown barley (Hordeum vulgare) under various fertilization management (P-unfertilized (P0), triple-superphosphate (TSP), compost (COM) and combined fertilization (COMTSP) in a long-term field experiment in Northeastern Germany.
The significance of mycorrhizal fungi in arable soils for the P supply of crops will increase with a decreased P fertilization. The impact of catch crops in the crop rotation on mycorrhizal fungi is scarcely known. Due to the combined ability for N2 fixation and efficient P mobilization the impact of Seradella as legume catch crop was tested under subsequent grown barley.