Pulses, in symbiosis with certain types of bacteria (e.g. Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium), are able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds that can be used by growing plants. It has been estimated that legumes, of which pulses are a subgroup, can fix between 72 and 350 kg of nitrogen per ha per year.
Some species of pulses are able to free soil-bound phosphorous, which also plays an important role in the nutrition of plants and food we eat.
Crop rotations play an important role in organic farming and rotations that include leguminous crops allow the continued future production on the same plot of land.
Pulses in intercropping systems allow a higher underground utilization efficiency due to their root structures and, as intermediate plants, help weed control and protect from diseases and pests.
Deep rooting pulses such as pigeon peas can supply groundwater to intercropped companion species.
The versatility of pulses allow them to be used in organic systems in different ways: rotations, intercropping, ley farming and as a cover crop
IFOAM - International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements issued this content on 2016-01-22 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2016-01-22 15:05:09 UTC
Original Document: http://www.ifoam.bio/en/news/2016/01/22/international-year-pulses-2016
