Functioning of N2-Fixing Symbiosis in Grain Legumes: Agronomic and Environmental Impacts

This paper details the physiological and agronomic functioning of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in grain legumes. It describes how soil nitrate availability, environmental conditions, and genetic factors regulate N2 fixation throughout the crop cycle. By quantifying nitrogen accumulation in seeds, straws, and soil, it explores how mineralization of legume residues can supply nitrogen to following crops and how agronomic practices can optimize this resource. The study also assesses the benefits and risks of introducing legumes into low-diversity cropping systems, highlighting reduced nitrogen fertilizer requirements alongside potential nitrate leaching losses.