Multispecies Grasses Boost Yields, Reduce Nitrogen Fertilizer Needs
Research shows planting diverse grass species can increase yield and reduce nitrogen fertilizer use.
Photo by Maria Willow
Quick Revision
Multispecies grass mixtures can yield twice as much as monoculture grasses.
These mixtures require half the amount of nitrogen fertilizer.
Legumes in the mixture contribute to natural nitrogen fixation in the soil.
This approach promotes sustainable agriculture, soil health, and biodiversity.
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Benefits of Multispecies Grasses for Sustainable Agriculture
This mind map illustrates the multifaceted benefits of adopting multispecies grass mixtures, linking them to key aspects of sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and farmer welfare.
Multispecies Grasses
- ●Increased Yield (2x)
- ●Reduced N-Fertilizer Needs (50%)
- ●Improved Soil Health
- ●Enhanced Biodiversity
- ●Lower Input Costs for Farmers
- ●Reduced Environmental Pollution
- ●Promotes Sustainable Farming
- ●Economic Viability for Farmers
Exam Angles
Environmental impact of agriculture (soil degradation, water pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss).
Economic viability and farmer welfare (reduced input costs, diversified income).
Food security and nutritional security in the context of sustainable production.
Government policies and schemes related to agriculture, environment, and climate change.
Scientific advancements in agriculture (agroecology, biofertilizers, soil microbiology).
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Summary
A recent study has found that planting multispecies grass mixtures, rather than single species, can significantly increase yield while simultaneously reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers. Researchers observed that a combination of two grass species and two legume species produced twice the yield compared to monoculture grasses, even with half the amount of nitrogen fertilizer. What does this mean for agriculture? Essentially, it points towards a more sustainable farming practice.
Legumes naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which are costly and can cause environmental pollution. This approach not only boosts productivity but also promotes soil health and biodiversity, offering a promising path for eco-friendly and economically viable agriculture.
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding multispecies grass mixtures in agriculture: 1. They can significantly increase crop yield compared to monoculture practices. 2. The inclusion of legume species in such mixtures helps reduce the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. 3. This approach primarily benefits soil health by increasing its organic carbon content and microbial activity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct as the news states multispecies mixtures doubled yield. Statement 2 is correct because legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Statement 3 is also correct as increased plant diversity, healthier root systems, and reduced chemical inputs generally lead to improved soil organic matter, microbial activity, and overall soil health.
2. Assertion (A): The excessive use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture often leads to environmental problems like eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions. Reason (R): Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are highly stable compounds that do not undergo microbial transformation in the soil, thus accumulating in water bodies and releasing nitrous oxide. In the context of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true but R is false.
- D.A is false but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Assertion (A) is true. Excess nitrogen from fertilizers can leach into water bodies causing eutrophication and can be converted by soil microbes into nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Reason (R) is false. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are not highly stable compounds in the soil; they undergo various microbial transformations (e.g., nitrification, denitrification) which lead to their loss through leaching into water bodies and gaseous emissions (like N2O). The instability and transformation are precisely why they cause pollution.
3. With reference to promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) aims to promote organic farming through cluster-based approaches. 2. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). 3. Biofertilizers are microorganisms that enrich the nutrient quality of the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen or solubilizing soil phosphorus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. PKVY is a sub-component of the Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and promotes organic farming through cluster-based approaches. Statement 2 is correct. NMSA is indeed one of the eight missions under NAPCC, focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation in agriculture. Statement 3 is correct. Biofertilizers like Rhizobium (nitrogen-fixing bacteria) and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) perform these functions, directly linking to the news's emphasis on natural nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling.