Economically important legumes have a special relationship with soil bacteria which transform nitrogen from air into nitrogen that can be used by plants and animals. Pulses are chickpeas, beans, peas, lentils and other cool-season legumes that are grown for human consumption. Soybeans are generally not considered a pulse because they are a summer crop.
Pulses are an important source of protein in the diets of many people around the world.
Animal products based on legume pastures are valued in the many billions.