Multifunctional analysis of ecosystem services relative to the nitrogen fluxes provided by ten legume crops

Abstract : Legumes deliver unique and/or complementary functions to those of other groups of species (cereals and and rich-oil crops), which support many ecosystem services related to nitrogen. However, the choice of grain legumes according to their ability to provide those ecosystem services remains difficult due to a lack of references for a diversity of species. During a two year succession (legume – wheat), five nitrogen fluxes and several explanatory plant traits of these fluxes were measured in order to establish the functional profile of ten grain legumes. The objective was to better understand the synergy and trade-off between the different nitrogen fluxes and hence the explanatory plant traits. The characterization and the distinction of grain legumes according to their ability to deliver ecosystem services assist the choice of legumes species according to the intended objectives.