Which nutrient does clover primarily contribute to soil through nitrogen fixation?

Which nutrient does clover primarily contribute to soil through nitrogen fixation?

• A. Phosphorus
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Potassium
• D. Calcium

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that clover, as a legume, adds nitrogen to the soil through nitrogen fixation. It forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in its root nodules, which convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia that the plant can use. When clover grows, fixes nitrogen, and then decomposes, much of that nitrogen is released back into the soil in plant-available forms, enriching soil nitrogen for subsequent crops. This is why nitrogen shows up as the nutrient clover primarily contributes through fixation. Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, on the other hand, come mainly from soil minerals and organic matter rather than from fixation by clover.

The key idea here is that clover, as a legume, adds nitrogen to the soil through nitrogen fixation. It forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in its root nodules, which convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia that the plant can use. When clover grows, fixes nitrogen, and then decomposes, much of that nitrogen is released back into the soil in plant-available forms, enriching soil nitrogen for subsequent crops. This is why nitrogen shows up as the nutrient clover primarily contributes through fixation. Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, on the other hand, come mainly from soil minerals and organic matter rather than from fixation by clover.