Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ? Alfalfa Amarant

Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ?

  1. Alfalfa
  2. Amaranth
  3. Chickpea
  4. Clover
  5. Purslane (Kulfa)
  6. Spinach

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 3 and 4 only
1, 3, 5 and 6 only
2, 4, 5 and 6 only
1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
The nitrogen-fixing plants among the given options are Alfalfa, Chickpea, and Clover.
– Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or related nitrogenous compounds. In agriculture, this is primarily done by bacteria, notably Rhizobia, which live symbiotically in the root nodules of leguminous plants.
– Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a legume and fixes nitrogen.
– Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is not a legume and does not fix nitrogen.
– Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a legume and fixes nitrogen.
– Clover (Trifolium spp.) is a legume and fixes nitrogen.
– Purslane (Kulfa) (Portulaca oleracea) is not a legume and does not fix nitrogen.
– Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is not a legume and does not fix nitrogen.
Nitrogen-fixing plants play a crucial role in natural ecosystems and agriculture by increasing soil fertility. They are often used in crop rotation and as cover crops. While legumes are the most common examples of symbiotic nitrogen fixers, certain other plants (like Alnus) also host nitrogen-fixing bacteria (like Frankia).
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