Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants?
- Alfalfa
- Amaranth
- Chickpea
- Clover
- Purslane (Kulfa)
- 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
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- Nitrogen fixation is a process in which atmospheric nitrogen gas is converted into combined forms, that is, ammonia or organic nitrogen, with the help of bacteria and cyanobacteria.
- Alfalfa is a well-known leguminous plant with a strong ability to fix nitrogen. It forms symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria, making it a valuable crop for improving soil fertility.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- Amaranth is a leafy green vegetable that does not have the ability to fix nitrogen. It is not a legume and does not form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Statement 3 is correct
- Chickpea is another leguminous plant that fixes nitrogen. Like alfalfa, chickpeas have root nodules where Rhizobium bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plant can absorb. This process not only benefits the chickpea plant itself but also enhances the nitrogen content in the soil for subsequent crops.
Statement 4 is correct
- Clover is widely recognized for its nitrogen-fixing ability. It is often used in crop rotation and as a cover crop to improve soil health by adding nitrogen to the soil, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Statement 5 is incorrect
- Purslane is a succulent plant, is not a nitrogen-fixing plant. Like amaranth, it does not belong to the legume family and does not contribute to nitrogen fixation in the soil.
Statement 6 is incorrect
- Spinach, another leafy green vegetable, is also not a nitrogen-fixing plant. It does not have the necessary root nodules or the symbiotic bacteria required for nitrogen fixation.
