Files
Abstract
Crop production processes are increasingly focused on the proper use of the natural environment. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper was to identify factors determining farmers' decision to cultivate legumes on their farms. Additionally it was decided to estimate economic benefits resulting from atmospheric nitrogen fixing by plants. The value of economic benefits was calculated by multiplying the price per kg of pure nitrogen and the amount of nitrogen fixed in the soil after the crop residues are ploughed. This paper relies on empirical studies which covered 180 selected legume farms across the country. As shown by the calculation, the value of biological benefits for the cultivation of peas was 140 PLN/ha and 58 PLN/ha more for lupins. The farmers surveyed cited improved soil texture and the beneficial impact of legumes on the yield of subsequent crops as the main reason for introducing legumes into their cropping patterns.