Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants?
- Alfalfa
- Amaranth
- Chickpea
- Clover
- Purslane (Kulfa)
- Spinach
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into more reactive compounds such as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
- Nitrogen-fixing plants are crops that can naturally provide plant-available nitrogen without causing harm to the environment.
- Some examples of nitrogen-fixing plants include clovers, vetches, and peas, which are commonly used by farmers worldwide and in the US Southern Great Plains region.
- Peas and beans are versatile nitrogen-fixing crops that can be used as cover crops during summer or harvested for food, both of which can enrich the soil with plant-suitable nitrogen. Southern peas prefer warmer seasons and are typically sown when the soil temperature reaches 60°F.
- Various types of beans, such as fava, alfalfa, green, runner, field, sweet, peanuts, soybeans, cream, black-eyed, or purple-hulled beans, lupins, lentils, and cowpeas, are also nitrogen-fixing plants.