Role of alfalfa in natural environment
Paper Details
Role of alfalfa in natural environment
Abstract
The Alfalfa deep rooting pattern is highly beneficial to hold soil in place. A canopy of alfalfa quickly covers the soil, protecting the soil from wind and water erosion. The dense vigorous alfalfa canopy shades these weeds and frequent cutting prevents weed seed production. Many crops must be cultivated several times per year to remove weeds. One of the key values of alfalfa is its ability to ‘fix’ nitrogen gas (N2) from the air so that N is available for plant growth. Available N is very limited in the Earth’s crust and is frequently deficient in plants. Nitrogen is a basic building block for plant proteins, and for human protein nutrition. Alfalfa canopies provide an effective cover for many species for feeding, sleeping, nesting, or escaping predators. There is a wide range of insects, both herbivores and predators that are present in large populations in alfalfa fields. High water absorption and deep roots also make it a valuable crop to manage water tables. Roots can efficiently degrade petroleum products and carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Alfalfa can be used for the effective recycling of many different types of organic wastes. It is naturally derived and an evolved product of the Earth, the benefits that arise from using it are abundant. The alfalfa plant is naturally high in many essential vitamins (A, D, E, vitamin B) and minerals.
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