Cultivation of legumes

Implementation

Short term

Sustainability components

  • GHG emissions
  • Air quality
  • Soil
  • Water
  • Biodiversity
  • Animal welfare
  • Economic
  • Social
  • Technical feasibility

Climate risk region

Continental
Continental

Weather event addressed

Floods / Heavy rainfall
All
Drought
All

Farming system

CEREAL CROPS
All crops

Description of the measure

Including legumes in the crop rotation or in grassland.

Comments on sustainability

The cultivation of legumes improves the formation of humus and supports soil organisms. The soil structure is improved throuh this (better infiltration and water storage). Through the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, less synthetic fertiliser is used, which leads to less nitrate leaching. Legumes are also able to solubilise minerals such as phosphorous and make them available for other plants, and they provide a habitat for insects.