Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but most of the Indian soils are low in nitrogen availability for optimum crop productivity. Thats why nitrogen-fixing crops are so valuable since they can help elevate the aioli quality. These crops undergo a process of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and converting it into forms that plants can use. It minimizes the use of chemical fertilizers and enhances the quality of soil, which is, therefore, a must-do activity in sustainable agriculture.
Let’s learn more about the five major nitrogen-fixing crops that are cultivated in India and the value that they add to growers. Furthermore, the potential to cultivate more of these crops and increase the fertility of our soil.
1. Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)
Chickpeas, or chana, is the local name of chickpea, one of the most cultivated nitrogen-fixing crops in the country. It is a type of legume cultivated mainly in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Chickpeas are respected for their nitrogen-fixing prospects, which fertilize the soil and allow citizens to be independent of chemical fertilizers.
Cultivation Process: Chickpeas grow well in soils with moderate, good drainage and a loamy texture, which in turn requires little water for irrigation in regions of pre-desert climates. Chickpeas must be sown between October and November, and the harvesting process is done between March and April.
Nitrogen Fixation Benefits: Chickpeas have root structures that form nodules that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, popularly known as Rhizobium. These bacteria also change nitrite and nitrate, both of which are nitrogen compounds in the atmosphere, into ammonia, a substance which plants have no problems using.
The most important elements that could improve the production of chickpeas include the use of modern implements such as Swaraj tractors, which provide good traction and pulling power in ploughing and seed drilling.
2. Soybeans (Glycine max)
Soybeans are also a nitrogen-fixing crop, and they are grown in greater proportions in India, especially in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This green bean is utilized in many ways, such as oil, feed, and proteinaceous meal.
Cultivation Process: Soybeans grow well in warm regions and free watering regimes, that is, well-drained soils. Sowing of soybean in India is best done between June and July while harvesting is done between October and November. There is an indication that the crop performs better when there is moderate rainfall.
Nitrogen Fixation Benefits: Like chickpeas, soybeans contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root nodules. These bacteria assist the plant in removing nitrogen from the atmosphere; hence, there is no need to apply inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. Furthermore, residues from soybean crops, when not removed following harvest, help hold up soil fertility and structure on the field.
Mini tractors are suitable for soybean farming and are relatively helpful for small-scale farmers. Small in size, these machines are ideal for use in small fields and generate sufficient power for ploughing, harrowing and seed drilling, among other tasks.
3. Pigeon Peas (Cajanus cajan)
Pigeon pea is a legume commonly grown in the Indian subcontinent, with production areas in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the principal staples of Indian diets and is much appreciated for its potential for nitrogen fixation.
Cultivation Process: Pigeon peas are planted in June and July and harvested in December and January. This water-efficient crop does well in semi-arid climates.
Nitrogen Fixation Benefits: Although there are many pulses, pigeon peas fix nitrogen more efficiently than most pulses because of their extensive root systems. Nitrogen fixation increases the fertility of the soil and the yield of other crops that may be grown concurrently with legumes.
4.Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea)
Legumes, including groundnuts or peanuts, are widely cultivated nitrogen-fixing crops in the country, with the major producing states of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Apart from being used as a source of oil-rich seeds, they are also important in improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
Cultivation Process: Groundnuts grow well on sandy or loamy soils and respond to favourable warm climates. They can be sown from May to June, and harvest is from September to October. Groundnuts are irrigated, though they require frequent water supply, especially during the flowering and pod formation phases.
Nitrogen Fixation Benefits: Groundnuts possess nitrogen-fixing bacteria nodules in their roots, just like many other legume crops. These bacteria aid in the conversion of nitrogen in the atmosphere into ammonia, which is more useful in soil as a fertilizer. Other nutrients in groundnuts are decaying roots and stems, which also help improve soil status.
5. Mung Beans (Vigna radiata)
Another important nitrogen-fixing pulse grown in India is mung beans, also known as moong. Usually cultivated in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the best quality mung beans are known for their fast-growing characteristics and high nutritious content.
Cultivation Process: Mung beans are a crop that can be planted at the beginning of the Kharif season but are mostly preferred to be planted during the summer season. They need soil drainage and flourish in warm climate conditions and low rainfall. Sowing is conducted between June and July, and harvesting is conducted between September.
Nitrogen Fixation Benefits: The plant is believed to have the ability to fix nitrogen, similar to what is found in nitrogen biological nodules on the roots of mung beans. This not only brings in different nutrients required for crop growth but also replaces the nitrogen in the soils, which will be useful in other cropping in the same land the following season.