Correct Option
The correct option is 2, 3 and 4 only.
Explanation
Pulses are leguminous crops that play a vital role in agriculture by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules containing Rhizobium bacteria. This process helps in restoring soil fertility. However, the duration of the crop and its nutrient uptake patterns influence its effectiveness in restoring fertility within a crop rotation cycle.
Statement-wise Analysis
- 1. Tur (Arhar) - Incorrect: Arhar (Pigeon Pea) is excluded from the list of pulses that help in restoring soil fertility. While scientifically it is a legume, agronomically it is a long-duration crop (taking 8-10 months or more) and is a heavy feeder of nutrients compared to short-duration pulses. Consequently, it is often not cited as a crop that "restores" fertility in the context of short-term crop rotations.
- 2. Urad (Black Gram) - Correct: Urad is a short-duration leguminous crop that effectively fixes atmospheric nitrogen and is widely used to restore soil fertility.
- 3. Moong (Green Gram) - Correct: Moong is also a short-duration pulse known for its nitrogen-fixing capability and is often grown as a catch crop to improve soil health.
- 4. Masur (Lentil) - Correct: Masur is a rabi pulse that fixes nitrogen and contributes to soil fertility restoration.
Key Takeaway
While most pulses are leguminous and fix nitrogen, Tur (Arhar) is regarding the restoration of soil fertility, primarily due to its long duration and nutrient consumption patterns.