Local scientists have revealed why legumes can produce their own nitrogen, providing the possibility of reducing the reliance of other plants on nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen is essential for plants to survive and grow. The element is rich in the air, but plants can’t make use of it directly. So, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are widely employed in farming. While increasing yields, this has also caused severe environmental pollution. Figures show that China owns 7 percent of cultivated land, produces 21 percent of crops but consumes 35 percent of nitrogen fertilizers.