Nutrient availability and soil water consumption are essential components in the process of photosynthesis, which in turn determines plant growth and seed production. Research at Scott in the Dark Brown soil zone and Swift Current in the Brown soil zone of Saskatchewan, has revealed that pulses maintain a more consistent grain to straw ratio under changing soil moisture conditions than cereal and oil seed crops. One explanation for this adaptability is that pulse crops, have an ability to supply nitrogen as requirements dictate compared to wheat and oilseed crops whose seasonal nitrogen requirements are supplied in large part by a one time application of fertilizer prior to crop growth. Understanding how unique plant growth processes such as nitrogen fixation interact with other plant functions helps explain why crops respond differently under different climatic conditions. This information helps producers incorporate crops into rotations that may be better suited to their local environment.