Lynsey Grosfield
Most people — even non - gardener — have a vague thought about the process of N - fixation . This knowledge usually stem from hear about planting clover to restore the soil in between rotations of crops . trefoil is a Graeco-Roman “ green manure ” that act against filth depletion , but it is simply one of many plants that can remediate wear out - out earth .
Most — but not all — of these nitrogen - revitalising plants arelegumes , meaning they ’re in the Fabaceae ( pea plant ) family . The N fixation they exhibit is a process whereby bacteria ( call in rhizobia ) exist in a symbiotic human relationship with the plant . The bacterium survive in nodules on the plant ’s roots and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a signifier that is bioavailable .
Although these symbioses primarily exist on the roots of fellow member of the aforementioned Fabaceae family , there are plant like alders ( Alnusspp . ) , ocean buckthorns ( Hippophaespp . ) and gunneras ( Gunneraspp . ) that also have symbioses with bacteria or cyanobacteria .
Abri le Roux / Flickr
In the garden , you’re able to use these nodule - dwelling rhizobia to your vantage in a individual time of year : Planting pea plant , bonce or alfalfa ( all legumes ) alongside or between your other crops help to partake the wealth these plant bring to the grunge . A classic planting formation that operates on these principles is the HaudenosauneeThree Sistersplot , where lemon ( corn ) , beans and squash are grown together .
In between season , see cover - cropping your plot , pots and erect beds with a leguminous seed mixture . Or even let a bed rest fallow and unproductive for a time of year under acover crop : Your soil will thank you next year . When it comes clip to plant again , you’re able to compost the biomass from the top harvest straight into the soil , reach a wet retentive mulch and adding further nutrients .
In the longer condition , atomic number 7 - fixing crop can be used as “ nurse crops . ” In recurrent plant guild , for deterrent example , interplanting with atomic number 7 - fixing plant make a system ego - sufficient .
Gerry / Flickr
Inbackyard orchards , leguminous trees , like mesquite or honey locust tree , can be planted close to fruiting tree , where they protect them from the elements , help them originate straight , pull beneficial insects and hike up the soil nitrogen content . They can “ suck ” a yield Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree into maturity and then be cut down for woodland when the yield tree is mature . This happens in the wilderness , as well : The saguaro cactus pictured above benefit from the tight law of proximity of the mesquite nursemaid tree diagram .
There are numerous ways to use nitrogen - arrested development for a better crop , and it all starts with learning your legume !
