Question

Which among the following crops helps in nitrogen fixation and is mostly grown in crop rotation systems?

• A. Maize
• B. Tur (Arhar)
• C. Sugarcane
• D. Cotton

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Tur (Arhar)

• Correct Answer Option B) Tur (Arhur)

• Tur (Arhar), also known as pigeon pea or red gram, is a leguminous crop that plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation and is commonly used in crop rotation systems.

• Nitrogen Fixation Capability:

• Tur belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae) and has the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria present in root nodules. This biological process converts atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia, which plants can readily use for growth.

• Role in Crop Rotation:

• Tur is extensively grown in crop rotation systems because it naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen

• After harvesting tur, the nitrogen-rich crop residues and root nodules decompose, releasing fixed nitrogen into the soil

• This reduces the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers for subsequent crops

• It helps maintain soil fertility and improves overall crop productivity

• Maize: A cereal crop that consumes nitrogen from soil rather than fixing it

• Sugarcane: A cash crop that requires high nitrogen input and doesn't fix nitrogen

• Cotton: A fiber crop that depletes soil nutrients and doesn't contribute to nitrogen fixation

• Tur's dual benefit of providing protein-rich pulses while simultaneously improving soil fertility makes it an ideal choice for sustainable crop rotation systems, particularly in rain-fed agriculture.