Lupin Crop as an Alternative Source of Protein

TLDR: The role of legumes in protein production is discussed, which plays a role in the fight against erosion in soil establishment and afforestation in numerous areas of the world.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes the lupin crop as an alternative source of protein. Lupin is considered one of the legumes with the greatest future potential because of its high protein content, even in a wild state, and because of its adaptation to poor soils and dry climates. The wild species of Lupinus are distributed in two large areas: The Mediterranean and the Western Hemisphere. The Mediterranean zone ranges from southern Europe to the highlands in northern and eastern Africa. The range in the Americas includes the western part of North and South America, and excludes the tropical lowlands and the Amazonian basin. Cultivated lupins appear in agricultural production in diverse forms and for very different purposes: Grain production and forage in crop rotation, green manure, soil conservation, agroforestry, and also as a permanent pasture for livestock. Lupins not cultivated for grain are usually ploughed in as green manure, or used alone or mixed with cereals or grasses as fodder. Lupin also plays a role in the fight against erosion in soil establishment and afforestation in numerous areas of the world. This chapter discusses the role of legumes in protein production. Botany and ecology of lupin is also described.