Legumes

Front

What are legumes?

Back

Plants that produce fruits (pods) that split into two halves and contain edible seeds.

Front

What are some examples of legumes?

Back

Beans, peas, lentils, soybeans, peanuts.

Front

What are the main uses of legumes?

Back

Human food (edible seeds), livestock forage and silage, cover crops to improve soil fertility.

Front

What is the nutritional value of legumes?

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Affordable, nutrient-dense protein source, alternative to animal protein (when combined with cereals), contain mostly unsaturated fats, rich in minerals (calcium, zinc, iron), vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B), and fiber.

Front

What are the benefits of legumes for livestock?

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Improve animal productivity and increase digestibility and quality of cereal crop residues.

Front

What are the agronomic benefits of legumes?

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Fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhance soil fertility, boost yields of subsequent crops, can be used as green manure, reduce soil erosion and moisture loss.

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What is a drawback of using legumes in agriculture?

Back

Loss of a growing season.

Front

What is intercropping in relation to legumes?

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Alternating rows of cereals and legumes for efficient land use.

Front

What is a drawback of intercropping?

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Competition for water and nutrients, which can lead to lower yields.

Front

What is crop rotation?

Back

Alternating legumes and cereals to maintain soil fertility.