The symbiotic relationship between rhizobium and leguminous plants is a mutually beneficial one. Rhizobium bacteria are able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants, while leguminous plants provide rhizobium with a protected environment in which to live and reproduce.

The symbiosis begins when rhizobium bacteria attach to the roots of leguminous plants. The bacteria then release signals that trigger the formation of root nodules on the plant roots. Within these nodules, rhizobium bacteria are able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which can then be used by the plant for growth and development.

In return, leguminous plants provide rhizobium with a protected environment in which to live and reproduce. The nodules provide rhizobium with a constant supply of food and oxygen, and they also protect the bacteria from predators and other environmental stresses.

Nitrogen levels in the soil can affect symbiotic nitrogen fixation in a number of ways. If there is a lot of nitrogen in the soil, plants may not need to rely on rhizobium to fix nitrogen. This can lead to a decrease in the number of root nodules on the plant roots, and a decrease in the amount of nitrogen fixed.

On the other hand, if there is very little nitrogen in the soil, plants will rely heavily on rhizobium to fix nitrogen. This can lead to an increase in the number of root nodules on the plant roots, and an increase in the amount of nitrogen fixed.

Overall, the symbiotic relationship between rhizobium and leguminous plants is a very important one. It allows plants to obtain nitrogen from the atmosphere, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development.

Here are some specific examples of how nitrogen levels in the soil can affect symbiotic nitrogen fixation:

• If a farmer adds too much nitrogen fertilizer to their crops, it can inhibit the symbiosis between rhizobium and leguminous plants. This is because the plants will not need to rely on rhizobium to fix nitrogen if there is already a lot of nitrogen in the soil.
• If a farmer is growing leguminous plants in a soil that is low in nitrogen, they may want to inoculate the seeds with rhizobium bacteria. This will help to ensure that the plants are able to obtain the nitrogen they need for growth and development.
• Scientists are also working to develop new crop varieties that are more efficient at fixing nitrogen in low-nitrogen soils. This could help to reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, and improve the sustainability of agriculture.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Rhizobia are nitrogen-fixing bacteria which invade root hairs of leguminous plants and induce, in a specific manner, the formation of root nodules in which they fix nitrogen. The early steps of the symbiosis can be considered as a reciprocal molecular communication between the two partners. Rhizobium converts atmospheric nitrogen into the soluble form, which can then be taken in by leguminous plants. However, since Rhizobium cannot prepare its own food, it establishes itself in the roots of the plants and provides them with nutrients. Plants, in turn, provide the bacteria with food and shelter. Legumes are able to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria as rhizobia. The result of this symbiosis is to form nodules on the plant root, within which the bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that can be used by the plant. Rhizobium and leguminous plants live in a symbiotic association with each other. In this, both the organisms are benefited from each other. The bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available to the plants. On the other hand, Rhizobium receives nutrition from the plant in the form of organic acids. Nitrogen application reduced symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) to various degrees in different bean genotypes. This variation suggests that SNF in common bean can be improved through breeding and selection for the ability of bean genotypes to fix nitrogen in the presence of reduced fertilizer levels. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation by rhizobia in root nodules of crop and forage legumes provides substantial economic and environmental benefits. Nitrogen fixation could be increased in various ways, but most of these would cause a proportional increase in photosynthate costs.Legumes are able to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria as rhizobia. The result of this symbiosis is to form nodules on the plant root, within which the bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that can be used by the plant. Rhizobium is a bacterium found in soil that helps in fixing nitrogen in leguminous plants. It attaches to the roots of the leguminous plant and produces nodules. These nodules fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into ammonia that can be used by the plant for its growth and development.