Pulse crops: Steps towards the sustainability in agriculture

Abstract

The strong links between agriculture and the global economy, human civilization and biodiversity make it one of the world's most important environmental frontiers. The demand of food goods is increasing steadily as the population of the world rises. Agricultural activities can conserve and rehabilitate essential environments, protect water sheds, and increase soil and water quality when handle it in a sustainable manner. Hence, there is an increasingly urgent need for sustainable management of resources. However, unsustainable practices make difficult implications for human being and the ecosystem. The use of legumes in sustainable agriculture is one of the most powerful ways to conserve the soil property as it fixes atmospheric nitrogen in the soil through root nodules. The nitrogen-fixing properties of legume crops have a beneficial influence on the ecosystem by increasing soil fertility and reducing the use of inorganic fertilizer requirements. The incorporation of legumes in crop rotations also helps pests and diseases to be mitigated in subsequent crops, helping to minimize farmers' costs and protect the environment.