Dynamics of Accumulation and Partitioning of N in Leaves, Stems and Roots of Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in a Dense Canopy

Quantitative relationships were established which defined the partitioning of nitrogen and dry matter between the leaves, stems and roots during the development of field grown lucerne. The coefficients were unaffected by whether or not N fertilizer was applied. The average %N in the aerial tissue fell sharply with increase in plant mass when aerial DM of the crop exceeded 1 t ha -1 . This was mainly because the proportion of stems increased and the %N in stems was low