Which one of the following paints is preferred for mixed cropping in order to enhance the bioavailability of nitrogen ?

Gram (chickpea) is a leguminous crop preferred for mixed cropping to enhance the bioavailability of nitrogen in the soil. Legumes possess a unique property of maintaining and restoring soil fertility through the biological fixation of nitrogen (BNF) [c1, c3]. This process involves a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, which reside in the root nodules of leguminous plants and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a chemical form usable by plants [c5, t5]. In India, gram is frequently mixed with crops like wheat to ensure agricultural returns and improve soil health [c2]. While cereals like wheat, maize, and barley are nitrogen consumers, legumes like gram act as nitrogen contributors, adding up to 40 kg of nitrogen per hectare and improving the availability of soil nitrogen for the companion or subsequent crops [c1, t2]. This integration optimizes resource-use efficiency and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers [t4, t8].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Pulses (Legumes) > p. 28
2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > vii) Mixed cropping > p. 20
3. [3] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture > Pulses > p. 28
4. [4] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Geomorphic Processes > Biological Activity > p. 45
5. [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669022004411
6. [6] https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/083a0b41-703e-4977-b50f-6cf870d22538/content