Correct Option
The correct option is Arhar (Tur).
Explanation
Pulses are leguminous crops that play a vital role in sustainable agriculture. Most pulses possess root nodules containing Rhizobium bacteria, which fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, thereby restoring soil fertility.
Analysis
- Moong, Masur, and Urad: These are short-duration leguminous crops. They are highly effective in fixing atmospheric nitrogen and are widely used in crop rotation to replenish soil nutrients.
- Arhar (Tur/Pigeon Pea): Although Arhar is a leguminous crop and does possess the biological capability to fix nitrogen, standard agricultural geography texts distinguish it from other pulses in this context. It is a long-duration crop (often standing for 6-10 months) and is heavy on nutrient extraction. Consequently, in the context of this examination and standard references, it is cited as the pulse that does not help in restoring soil fertility in the same manner as the others.
Key Takeaway: According to standard Indian geography curriculum, Arhar (Tur) is the exception among major pulses regarding the restoration of soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.