SUSTAINABLE FOOD FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

PULSESAND BIODIVERSITY

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WORLD PULSES DAYFEBRUARY 10

The variability among living organisms from all sourses and theecological complexes of which they are part; this includesdiversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?

PULSES HELP TO IMPROVE SOIL BIODIVERSITY

Nitrogen fixing bacteriaestablishes inside the rootnodules of pulse crops; thusproviding nitrogen for the plantand also improving soil fertility.

Rhizobia bacteria

Pulses help to increasesoil microbial biomassand activity, thusimproving soil biodiversity.

This utilizes symbioticbacteria to fix nitrogen,which is partly transferedto subsequent crops,thus increasing their yields.

MULTIPLE CROPPING SYSTEMS

- Including pulses in crop rotations -Pulses are a crucial componentof multiple cropping systems,e.g intercropping, croprotation and agroforestry.

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- High biological diversity -

- The genetic -

PULSES’ BIODIVERSITY

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Pulses have a broad genetic diversity from which manyvarieties have been developed, including local cultivars that are not exported or grown worldwide.

The genetic diversity of pulses is anessential component for on-farm soiland pest management, especially for small-scale farmers.

A high soil biodiversity provides ecosystem withgreater resistance and resilience against disturbance and stress.

- Soil biodiversity -

Some varieties of pulses arealso able to utilize soil-boundphosphorous. This elementplays an important role in the nutrition of plants.

P U L S E S

T h e f u t u r e o f f o o d

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