The role of biological nitrogen fixation in crop production.

Abstract

Efficiency of N fixation by legumes and the benefits and constraints in the use of inoculants are discussed with reference to Centrosema pubescens, Phaseolus vulgaris, white clover, soyabeans, peas, cowpeas, pigeon peas, Leucaena leucocephala, Medicago spp. and Desmodium spp. The role of the Rhizobium Microbiological Resources Centres (MIRCEN) set up by UNEP/UNESCO is described.