Rhizobium bacteria are directly responsible for nitrogen fixation in pulses.
This genus of bacteria establishes a symbiotic relationship with legumes like peas, beans, and lentils.
Rhizobium bacteria infect the root hairs of these plants, leading to the formation of specialized root nodules.
Within these nodules, Rhizobium converts atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia, a form the plant can readily utilize for growth.
This biological nitrogen fixation process lessens the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, thereby lowering costs and preserving soil fertility.
Rhizobium biofertilizers are a common practice in sustainable agriculture for increasing nitrogen availability to legume crops.