Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why do many pastures include both grasses and legumes?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Yellow partridge pea — Fabales A flowering stalk of yellow partridge pea (*Chamaecrista fasciculata*) in the eastern United States.

Pastures often include both grasses and legumes because of the vital ecological partnership between the two types of plants, primarily centered on nitrogen fixation.1

Legumes, such as clover, maintain a symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria housed in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into compounds that the legume can use for growth. When these legume roots decay or plant parts break down, these nitrogen products are released into the soil, providing essential nutrients that support the growth of neighboring grasses.12

By including legumes in grazing areas, farmers can naturally enrich the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Furthermore, legumes serve as high-quality forage for livestock, balancing the nutritional profile of the pasture. This combination ensures a more sustainable and productive ecosystem for both the plants and the animals that graze upon them.13