The content of the article
- What are nodule bacteria
- The role of nodule bacteria in nature
- Legumes and nodule bacteria
- Nitrogen fixation by bacteria
- Nitrogen fixing plants
The first soil bacteria that humanity has noticed are nodule. About 1300 nodules are formed from 13 thousand plants, and 200 are used in agriculture. Of these, all have the function of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. In the soil on a nodule microorganisms settle and multiply – symbionts that replace fertilizers.
What are nodule bacteria
More than 2 thousand years ago, farmers noticed that poor, depleted soil yield crops after cultivating legumes on them. The following attempts to reveal the secret were in 1838: J.-B. Bussengo decided that legume leaves fix nitrogen, but experiments with an unfavorable aquatic environment did not confirm this. In 1901, Azotobacter chroococcum was discovered (6 species from the genus Azotobacter). The first drug based on “earth” bacteria Nitragin was created in 1897.
All nodule bacteria are microaerophiles. They are characterized by a rod-shaped / oval shape. Rhizobium (Rhizobiales) belong to those capable of converting the gaseous form of nitrogen into the soluble one, which is assimilated by plants. Facts:
- By the extent to which microorganisms affect the crop, they are divided into active (effectively enrich the soil), inactive and inactive (ineffective).
- When there is no moisture, they do not multiply, therefore, in an arid climate, specially infected plants are introduced deeper into the soil.
- The optimal temperature for the reproduction of all representatives of nitrogen-fixing is 20-30 ° C, but growth continues at 0-35 ° C. The best medium (pH) is neutral, of the order of 6.5-7.1, but acidic causes the death of colonies.
- Thanks to the experiments of the Moscow Agricultural Academy, it turned out that even with the absence of “donors”, bacterial material does not leave the soil until 50 years old.
- Microorganisms are able to survive even the conditions after an atomic explosion, withstand gamma radiation and ultraviolet radiation, solar radiation, but can not dwell at high temperature.
- Microorganisms have maximum value for root development.
The role of nodule bacteria in nature
In addition to fixing atmospheric nitrogen, the role of nodule bacteria in nature is very large. In the process of reproduction, they “engage” in the synthesis of vitamins, natural antibiotics, contribute to the development of the root, and then the tops. The benefit is that the soil bacteria are nitrogen-fixing type due to symbiosis with plants:
- are part of the cycle of matter – nitrogen;
- synthesize phytohormones, stimulating plant growth;
- can be used as a way of self-cleaning of soils contaminated with heavy metals with mineralizing factors (natural / enterprises);
- decompose some chlorine compounds.
Legumes and nodule bacteria
How do legumes and nodule bacteria interact? After infection of the plant, producers absorb nitrogen from the air, converting it into a compound suitable for feeding not only the parasite, but also for the “host”. There are several theories about how individual elements form bacterial nodules. Plants are infected:
- through tissue damage;
- penetration through root hairs;
- penetration through young apices of the root;
- thanks to companion bacteria.
The symbiotic bacteria of the genus Rhizobium, having penetrated the root, move into its tissues, easily overcoming the intercellular space in groups or single cells (as in lupine). More often, the cell during reproduction forms infectious filaments (cords, colonies). Their number varies by plant type. Often common threads of infection forming one nodule.
Nitrogen fixation by bacteria
The value that nitrogen fixation by bacteria represents is enormous: it not only restores the soil, but also allows you to get richer crops than humus or chemical fertilizers. The interaction of the substance and the nitrogen fixator occurs:
- in Azotobacter (“autonomous”, not requiring the presence of a plant) – enzymes, due to oxygen in the cell;
- in Rhizobium (nodule bacteria) – only in the presence of magnesium, sulfur, iron.
Nitrogen fixing plants
The plants group species into which nitrogen-fixing bacteria are subdivided. In agriculture, they take into account that legumes are not the only “owners” of natural fertilizers that help to absorb atmospheric nitrogen. Other plants that are attractive to nitrogen fixing are, for example:
- clover;
- alfalfa;
- clover;
- beans, peas (not only food, but also cow), vetch, rank;
- soybeans;
- lupine and seradella.
What is the significance of nodule bacteria in nature and how do nitrogen-fixing bacteria function? Can you explain their interaction with plants and how it benefits both parties?
Nodule bacteria, also known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, play a crucial role in nature. They have a mutualistic relationship with certain plants, such as legumes, where the bacteria reside within the plant’s root nodules. The primary significance of nodule bacteria lies in their ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable form for plants.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria possess an enzyme called nitrogenase that can break down the inert atmospheric nitrogen, allowing it to combine with other elements and form nitrogen compounds like ammonia. This process is called nitrogen fixation. By fixing nitrogen, these bacteria enhance soil fertility and enable plants’ access to essential nitrogen nutrients required for growth.
The interaction between nodule bacteria and plants is a symbiotic relationship. The plants provide the bacteria with carbohydrates and a protected environment within the nodules, while the bacteria provide fixed nitrogen to the plant. This exchange of nutrients benefits both parties involved.
Plants, particularly legumes, benefit from nitrogen fixation as they can obtain nitrogen directly from the air, reducing their reliance on external nitrogen sources like fertilizers. This results in enhanced growth, increased biomass, and better crop yields. Moreover, the fixed nitrogen enriches the soil, promoting overall soil fertility and benefiting surrounding plant species.
In return, nodule bacteria receive a source of energy (carbohydrates) from the host plant. They also gain protection from harsh environmental conditions, such as high oxygen levels, which can inhibit their nitrogen-fixing ability. This mutually beneficial interaction between nodule bacteria and plants is essential for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem functioning, ensuring the availability of nitrogen for plant growth, soil quality, and overall ecological balance.
Can you please provide more information about nodule bacteria and their role in nature? Specifically, I’m interested in knowing about the functions of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and how they interact with plants.