Legumes in Cropping Systems: A Way Toward Agricultural Sustainability and Diversification

Population expansion and food insecurity as well as climate changes emphasize the need for advanced practices of agricultural sciences for enhancing the yield potential and nutritive qualities without damaging the environment. In this situation, legumes provide sustainable options for delivering multiple benefits in cropping sequences. Legumes as intercrops, green manure, or in rotation not only maintains soil quality but also break the cycle of insects, diseases, and weeds which are major problems in cereal-cereal cropping systems. Legumes also maintain soil biodiversity, fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, and ultimately reduce the need for agrochemicals. Legume residues have a low C:N ratio which enhances the carbon sequestration potential of soil. Apart from their environmental benefits, it significantly improves the nutritional quality of diets contributing to food security.