Question

Who first observed that legumes can utilize atmospheric nitrogen?

• A. M. W. Beijerinck
• B. J. B. Boussingault
• C. A. I. Virtanen
• D. G. S. Sekhon

Hint:

Boussingault is widely recognized as the father of modern scientific agricultural chemistry due to his pioneering use of precise field plots and chemical balance sheets.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The discovery of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) was a major milestone in agricultural science, establishing how plants acquire atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In 1838, French agricultural chemist Jean-Baptiste Boussingault performed precise quantitative sand-culture experiments.
He observed that leguminous plants could accumulate and fix nitrogen from the air when grown in soil completely devoid of nitrogenous compounds.
In contrast, non-leguminous plants (like cereals) failed to grow under identical conditions unless provided with external nitrogen sources.
M. W. Beijerinck later isolated the symbiotic bacteria (Rhizobium) in 1888.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, J. B. Boussingault was the first to observe that legumes can utilize atmospheric nitrogen.