Download Significance of the study

Chapter 1
A comparative study in the ability of the different type of Legumes in enriching
the soil
Background of the study
Nitrogen is the major component of the earth’s atmosphere. The plant world may literally be said to
be submerged in a sea of nitrogen; yet, nitrogen in this form is unavailable to most plants (Plant
physiology p. 155). The plants can utilize atmospheric nitrogen through the process called Nitrogen
fixation in which atmospheric nitrogen is converted to ammonia. There are plants that fix nitrogen and
one of it are the legume plants.
Legume plants are known for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, this is because of the symbiotic
relationship with bacteria (rhizobia) found in the root nodules of these plant. These types of plants are
very useful because the nitrogen fixation enriches the soil and acts as ‘natural fertilizers’ , thus reducing
the fertilizer cost for farmers and gardeners who grow legumes and allow legumes to be used in crop
rotation to replenish soil that has been depleted of nitrogen.
There are several types of legume plants such as beans, peanuts, peas, lentils and alfalfa. Farmers
and gardeners might find difficulty in choosing the type of legume to be used especially in crop rotation
to replenish the soil which has been depleted of nitrogen.
The researchers want to find out if there is a significant difference in the ability of the different types
of legumes in enriching or fertilizing the soil. if so, the researchers also aim to find out what type of
legumes is better to be used in crop rotation to replenish the soil which has been depleted of nitrogen.
Problem
Is there a significant difference in the ability of the different types of legumes in enriching the soil?
Sub problem:
Which type of legume is best to be used in crop rotation?
Hypothesis
There is no significant difference in the ability of the different types of legume in enriching or
fertilizing the soil.
Objectives
This study aims to find out if there is a significant difference in the ability of the different types of
legume in enriching the soil. And if so, the researchers also want to find out what type of legume is
better to be used in crop rotation to replenish the soil which has been depleted of nitrogen.
Significance of the study
This study would help the farmers or gardeners in choosing the type of legumes to be used in crop
rotation in enriching or fertilizing the soil.
Definition of terms
Rhizobia- are soil bacteria that fix nitrogen (diazotrophy) after becoming established inside root
nodules of legumes (Fabaceae).
Root nodules-occur on the roots of plants (primarily Fabaceae) that associate with
symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Crop rotation- s the practice of growing a series of dissimilar types of crops in the same area in
sequential seasons for various benefits such as to avoid the build up of pathogens and pests
that often occurs when one species is continuously cropped.
Legume-in botanical writing is a plant in the family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae), or a fruit of these
specific plants. A legume fruit is a simple dry fruit that develops from a simple carpel and
usually dehisces (opens along a seam) on two sides.