Effects of decomposing rice straw on growth of and nitrogen fixation byRhizobium.

Five phenolic compounds produced by decomposing rice straw and sterile extracts of decomposing rice straw in soil were very inhibitory to growth of three strains ofRhizobium. The effects were additive and in several instances synergistic. The phenolic compounds also reduced nodule numbers and hemoglobin content of the nodules in two bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties. Extracts of decomposing rice straw in soil (same concentration as in the soil) significantly reduced N2 fixation (acetylene reduction) in Bush Black Seeded beans. This may explain in part the great reduction in soybean yields in Taiwan following rice crops when the rice stubble is left in the field.