Legumes in Cropping System for Soil Ecosystem Improvement: A Review

Abstract

Legumes are versatile crops with great potential to produce protein-rich grains, naturally fix nitrogen, and enhance beneficial microbes in the soil. In the current context of climate change and global warming, incorporating legumes into crop rotation can help mitigate the negative effects of climate change and improve soil health. Researchers at the Division of Agronomy, FoA, SKUAST-J conducted a systematic and integrative review of published studies on the effects of legumes in cropping systems for soil ecology improvement. The review included research work from different parts of the world, particularly India. The literature search was conducted between August 2023 and November 2023 and around 150 review and research papers were screened from various databases such as ARCC journals, Google Scholar, Research Gate and Scopus. Out of these, 120 papers were used to write this comprehensive review article. The article provides a detailed documentation of the significant impact of legumes in cropping systems on soil ecology improvement. It emphasizes the potential effectiveness of legumes as a strategy for maintaining soil health.