Effects of Legume–Grass Ratio on C and Nutrients of Root and Soil in Common Vetch–Oat Mixture under Fertilization

Legume–grass mixture can greatly improve soil fertility to support the sustainable productivity. Root litter is an important source of organic matter, but its link with nutritional status in forage mixtures not clear. This study was aimed uncover whether relationship carbon (C) and nutrients between root would change mixing ratio. Changes C, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) were studied a 2-year experiment sole common vetch (Vicia sativa), oat (Avena their different ratios under N, P, N + P fertilization. concentrations decreased decreasing proportion grasslands. Nitrogen fertilization significantly improved concentration (by 4.5–10.1%), while 10.1–18.4%). The effect ratio on C stimulated by fertilization, although contents barely changed Mixing affected stoichiometric (besides C:N). Soil strongly positively correlated concentration. results indicated that increasing legume may nutrients, which be quality closely mixture. further reveals mechanism how potentially involved affecting provides scientific basis extensive use vetch-oat Loess Plateau China.