One crop group that is becoming increasingly recognised for its ability to enhance soil and contribute to overall farm productivity is pulses. This plant group, which includes lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, are key facilitators to healthy soils. In this article, we will begin to explore how pulses can improve soil health and why you should consider integrating them into your crop rotations.
What Are Pulses?
Pulses are the dried seeds of legume plants. In agriculture, their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and support biodiversity makes them pivotal for both crop rotations, as well as sustainable land management. They offer a multitude of benefits, which will be discussed below:
1. Nitrogen Fixation
One of the main benefits of pulses is their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Pulses have a complementary relationship with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules (Rhizobia.) These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can utilise, including ammonia. This process adds nitrogen to the soil, as well as acting as a natural fertiliser.
Why is nitrogen important?
Nitrogen is a key component for plant growth, contributing to the formation of proteins and chlorophyll, which are both essential for healthy, green plants. Historically, the utilisation of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers used in farming to enrich soil often damages the environment, with knock on effects such as increased runoff into water sources and greenhouse gas emissions. However, by planting pulses, you can reduce or even eliminate the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, therefore making your farming practices more eco-friendly.
2. Soil Structure Improvement
Pulses are known to improve soil structure, which can be crucial for water retention, root development, and overall plant health. Their deep root systems create channels within the soil, allowing air and water to enter more easily. This enhances the soil’s ability to absorb moisture, thus reducing the likelihood of erosion. Healthy soil structure aids plants in accessing the nutrients and water they require for healthy growth, which can lead to higher yields. It also creates a preferable environment for soil organisms to thrive, such as earthworms, which further boots soil quality.
3. Increased Soil Organic Matter
When pulses are planted and their roots and stems are left over after harvest, this increases the organic matter contained within soil. Organic matter is a crucial element for healthy soil, offering a range of benefits, such as feeding microorganisms, improving moisture retention, and encouraging better nutrient cycling. Organic matter not only boosts soil fertility but also helps sequester carbon, thus mitigating the effects of climate change.
4. Weed and Pest Control
Pulses can also play a role in natural pest and weed management. When integrated as cover crops, they form a dense ground cover that suppresses the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight. Moreover, their ability to fix nitrogen improves surrounding soil and creates conditions that deter pests and diseases.
5. Biodiversity Gains
Pulses contribute to a more diversified crop rotation; a critical agricultural practice for maintaining soil health and preventing nutrient depletion. By alternating pulse crops with cereals, vegetables, or other non-legume plants, this can aid by breaking pest and disease cycles, as well as enhancing biodiversity and further resilience.
6. Climate Resilience
In areas of adverse climatic conditions due to climate change, pulses are highly resilient to drought and heat, making them useful crops for bolstering resilience. Their deep roots allow them to access water from deeper down in the soil, which helps them survive dry periods, but also ensures the soil stays protected from erosion during heavy rains or winds.
Why You Should Plant Pulses?
Pulses are not only beneficial for your diet, but they are also powerful tools for improving the health and fertility of your soil. By incorporating them into your farming practices, you can:
• Reduce need for chemical fertilisers by boosting natural nitrogen levels.
• Enhance soil structure and water retention.
• Increase soil organic matter, improving fertility and carbon sequestration.
• Suppress weeds and reduce pest pressure naturally.
• Support biodiversity and improve climate resilience.
Whether you own a small-scale farm, or operate on a large-scale, planting pulses can be both a simple yet effective way to improve the health of your land. By doing so, you are not only investing in higher crop yields but also in the long-term sustainability of your soil and the environment.
