Nitrogen-Fixer Bacteria Contribution to Plant Growth
In the realm of agriculture, a new focus is emerging on the use of non-leguminous nitrogen-fixing plants. These plants, such as mountain mahoganies, mountain miseries, bitterbrushes/cliffroses, alders, and the recently highlighted Mountain agoho tree, form symbiotic relationships with bacteria to fix nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for plant growth [1][3][4].
Unlike legumes that primarily rely on Rhizobium bacteria, these non-leguminous plants partner with Frankia bacteria, a key example being the actinorhizal plants [1][3]. This partnership, resulting in nitrogen-fixing root nodules, is a unique evolutionary pathway for nitrogen fixation.
One such actinorhizal plant is the Alnus genus, which includes alders, a well-known non-leguminous nitrogen-fixing tree [3]. Another group includes certain symbiotic algae and diatoms with cyanobacterial endosymbionts, contributing to unique nitrogen fixation in marine algae like Braarudosphaera bigelowii and diatoms genera including Hemiaulus, Rhizosolenia, and Chaetoceros [1].
This diverse range of non-leguminous nitrogen-fixing plants offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming practices. For instance, incorporating these plants into crop rotation and intercropping can significantly improve soil health and fertility [2].
In crop rotation, a corn-soybean-wheat rotation is common, with soybeans being planted in the second year to replenish the soil with nitrogen after corn [2]. As for intercropping, this method allows multiple crops to be grown together in one field, maximising space, reducing weed pressure, and promoting ecosystem diversity.
Moreover, using nitrogen-fixing legumes in farming practices can increase crop yields, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, and improve soil health [2]. Legumes, known for their nitrogen-fixing abilities, include alfalfa, clovers, vetches, grain legumes such as peanuts, cowpeas, soybeans, and fava beans [2].
These nitrogen-fixing legumes can also be used as cover crops or green manure. They provide nutrients for other plants, slow erosion, attract beneficial insects, and help control pests and diseases [2]. In summary, the use of non-leguminous nitrogen-fixing plants and legumes in agriculture presents a promising path towards sustainable farming practices.
References:
[1] Dilworth, J. F., & Grof, P. (2010). Actinorhizal plants: diversity, ecology, and uses. Cambridge University Press.
[2] National Resource Conservation Service. (2020). Cover Crops and Green Manures. Retrieved from https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/nrcs/soils/health/organic/covercrops/
[3] Lodwig, J. A., & Stace, R. (2006). New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press.
[4] Tang, V. W., & Cayco, R. B. (2018). Gymnostoma rumphianum: A Potential Nitrogen-Fixing Tree from the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science, 147(4), 899-908.
- The health-and-wellness of our soil can benefit significantly from the use of non-leguminous nitrogen-fixing plants, such as alders and marine algae like Braarudosphaera bigelowii, as they form symbiotic relationships with Frankia bacteria to fix nitrogen, a crucial nutrient.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, environmental-science, and fitness-and-exercise, it is worth noting that these nitrogen-fixing plants, along with legumes, contribute to the improvement of soil health and fertility, and can replace synthetic fertilizers in sustainable farming practices.
- Just as proper nutrition is essential for human health, nourishing our soil with nitrogen-fixing plants and legumes can promote a healthy and balanced ecosystem, thereby supporting the growth and productivity of all plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, and grains.
