Examining root nodule activity on legumes

Summary

The symbiotic partnership between bacteria and legumes
is vital for the supply of biologically fixed nitrogen
to soil and plants in organic cropping systems.
Perennial clovers in a dense grass clover ley may
contribute more than 200 kg nitrogen (N) per ha and
year to the cropping system from the second year
after sowing.
This technical note aims at encouraging farmers to
take a closer look at the roots of legumes and become
more familiar with the process of nitrogen fixation
and its relevance for organic farming. The note
provides some key information on biological nitrogen
fixation and describes a simple method for examining
nitrogen‐fixing root nodules.