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A leguminous plant is a special type of flowering plant that grows vegetables or meals in pods or underground knobs, helping enrich the soil with nitrogen. These plants have small nodules in their roots where bacteria live, which fix nitrogen.
Some common examples of leguminous plants include beans, peas, lentils, and soybeans. The edible parts of these plants, like the pods or fruits, are called legumes.
In fact, there are over 18,000 different species of legumes. Notable ones you might be familiar with are beans, peas, peanuts, and soybeans. If you’re curious about what leguminous plants are, how legumes grow, and where these plants thrive, keep reading for a deeper understanding.
What Are Leguminous Plants?
Leguminous plants are a diverse group of flowering plants that belong to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the pea or bean family. These plants are renowned for their unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules.
This remarkable trait not only enriches the soil but also makes leguminous crops essential components of sustainable agriculture. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the world of leguminous plants, examine the ecological and agricultural significance of legumes, and discuss a wide range of leguminous crop examples from around the globe.
What Are Legumes?
Legumes come in various shapes and sizes, and their pods vary in texture. These pods release their seeds when they split open along two seams.
Legumes are a valuable food source due to their rich protein content. People commonly consume legumes like beans, peas, and peanuts. Soybeans, on the other hand, are used to create popular food products such as tofu, soy milk, ice cream, and soy sauce. They are also used as animal feed, along with hay and clover.
Formation of Legumes
Leguminous plants come in many different species. When we talk about leguminous plants, we mean those in the legume family, like beans, peas, and lentils. To spot these plants, you can look at the number of leaf parts, the edges of the leaves, the tiny leaf-like structures called stipules, and the stems.
Most legumes have three leaf parts, although there’s one called birdsfoot trefoil that has five. These plants also produce pods, which can vary in size, color, and shape.
Leguminous Plant Flowers
Leguminous plants have round-shaped flowers with fused petals.
Leguminous Plant Fruits
The fruits of leguminous plants come in pod-like forms, often called two-valved fruits, and they split open to expose edible seeds.
Nitrogen Fixation in Leguminous Plants
Leguminous plant roots work with soil bacteria, such as rhizobium, to fix nitrogen from the soil. This process helps these plants thrive.
Legumes Growth
Leguminous plants, like beans and peas, have different nutrient needs compared to grasses. To ensure their growth, you should use fertilizers containing K, S, Mo, and B when you’re growing a mix of grasses and legumes. These nutrients are particularly beneficial for legume growth.
Plants in the Fabaceae family, which includes beans and peas, produce legumes or pods. Some legumes split open to release their seeds, while others like peanuts and carobs do not naturally open. These legumes usually have long, narrow shapes with single rows of seeds.
Legumes are not just a source of food for humans and animals; they also provide edible oils, fiber, and materials for making plastics. Many legume seeds are prized for their high protein content and essential amino acids, making them valuable for nutrition.
Uses of Legumes
Grain legumes are primarily grown for their seeds, which have various uses in human and animal diets, as well as in industrial oil production.
Legumes are commonly used in vegan meat and dairy alternatives, serving as a plant-based protein source in the global market. They offer a rich supply of protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and essential minerals.
For instance, a 100-gram portion of cooked chickpeas provides 18% of your daily protein needs, 30% of your daily fiber intake, 43% of your daily folate requirement, and 52% of your daily manganese requirement.
Additionally, legumes are an excellent source of resistant starch, which is broken down by gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, like butyrate. Intestinal cells use these fatty acids as fuel.
Leguminous Plants in Soil Fertility
Leguminous plants are vital for enhancing soil fertility. They assist in the growth of legumes and the production of native nitrogen, meeting our protein and energy needs. These plants also release organic acids into the soil, making phosphate more accessible, while simultaneously improving soil quality.
When integrated into crop rotation, they aid in restoring natural soil content and reducing pests and diseases. Nitrogen fixation, carried out by bacteria in the root nodules, is considered an eco-friendly method for supplying the substantial nitrogen required by these plants. This process involves the multiplication of bacteria in the roots, causing the formation of nodules in the root cells.
Value of Legumes
Legumes offer a valuable source of both proteins and minerals. They provide a source of income when sold, and tree legumes are essential for feeding livestock. Moreover, because they have the unique ability to enhance soil nitrogen levels, they are commonly planted alongside cereals.
Notable grain legumes like cowpea, groundnut, soybean, and common beans not only contribute significantly to the economy but also hold great importance.
Examples of Leguminous Crops
In this section, we will explore a wide range of leguminous crop examples from different parts of the world, highlighting their cultural significance, culinary uses, and agronomic importance.
Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
The common bean, including varieties such as kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans, is one of the most widely consumed leguminous crops worldwide. Originating in the Americas, it has become a staple in many cuisines. Protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals are all found in excess in beans. They are used in various dishes, including soups, stews, and salads.
Lentil (Lens culinaris)
Lentils are a nutritious leguminous crop commonly grown in regions with dry climates. They come in various colors, including green, brown, and red. Lentils are a significant source of plant-based protein and are frequently used in soups, curries, and vegetarian dishes. Their ability to fix nitrogen makes them valuable in crop rotations.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a crucial leguminous crop, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Hummus, falafel, and a number of stews and salads all contain chickpeas. They are a crucial source of protein for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)
Peanuts are a globally recognized leguminous crop, and they are unique among legumes as they grow underground. They are a significant source of plant-based fats and protein. Peanuts are used in a wide range of culinary applications, from peanut butter and snacks to savory dishes and desserts. They are also an essential component of many traditional dishes in various cuisines.
Soybean (Glycine max)
Soybeans are one of the most versatile leguminous crops, with applications ranging from food and animal feed to industrial uses. They are rich in protein, and soybean oil is widely used in cooking and food processing.
Soy products like tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce are popular in vegetarian and vegan diets. Additionally, soybeans are used to produce biodiesel and various industrial products.
Leguminous Plants FAQs
What are leguminous plants?
Leguminous plants are a diverse group of flowering plants that belong to the family Fabaceae. They are known for their unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. This process enriches the soil with essential nutrients, making leguminous crops crucial for sustainable agriculture.
What are some common examples of leguminous crops?
Common examples of leguminous crops include beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, soybeans, and alfalfa. These crops are grown worldwide for various purposes, including food production, animal feed, and soil improvement.
How do leguminous plants fix nitrogen?
Leguminous plants fix nitrogen by forming a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth. This process enhances soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which can have negative environmental impacts.
What are the key botanical characteristics of leguminous plants?
Leguminous plants typically have compound leaves with multiple leaflets, bilateral flowers with distinctive petal arrangements, and seed pods that split open along two seams to release seeds. These characteristics help distinguish them from other plant families.
What are some culinary uses of legumes?
Legumes are versatile ingredients used in various culinary dishes worldwide. They are used to make soups, stews, salads, curries, and a wide range of other dishes. Some legumes, like soybeans and chickpeas, are used to produce popular food products such as tofu, hummus, and soy milk.
What are the names of leguminous plants?
Leguminous plants are also called 'pulses' or 'legumes.' They help improve soil quality.
What are 5 examples of legume plants?
Five examples of legume plants are chickpeas, soybeans, mung beans, black-eyed peas, and clover.
What is a leguminous plant?
Leguminous plants are those that have special roots that can capture nitrogen from the air and store it.
What are 6 types of legumes?
Some common types of legumes include beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, soybeans, and clover.
What is a leguminous plant Class 7?
In Class 7, students learn that leguminous plants are those that enrich the soil by capturing nitrogen from the air, and common examples are beans and peas.
