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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #416331
Research Project: Innovative Forage and Pasture Management Strategies for Dairy Agroecosystems

Location: Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research

Title: Bioligical nitrogen fixation in dry regions

Author
item ANDRADE LIRA JR., MARIO - Federal Rural University Of Pernambuco
item ZHANG, KAILE - University Of Florida
item ERHUNMWUNSE, ADESUWA - University Of Florida
item LIAO, HUI-LING - University Of Florida
item SANTIAGO DE FREITAS, ANA DOLORES - Federal Rural University Of Pernambuco
item CASTRO LEAL, VERONICA - Federal Rural University Of Pernambuco
item Jaramillo, David

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2025
Publication Date: 11/8/2025
Citation: Andrade Lira Jr., M., Zhang, K., Erhunmwunse, A., Liao, H., Santiago De Freitas, A., Castro Leal, V., Jaramillo, D.M. 2025. Bioligical nitrogen fixation in dry regions. Book Chapter. https://doi.org/10.29327/5681481.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29327/5681481

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a fundamental natural process in which bacteria and archaea reduce atmospheric nitrogen (N2)—an inert, non-reactive gas that constitutes over 78% of Earth's atmosphere—into ammonia (NH3) that plants and most soil organisms can readily assimilate. These microorganisms, usually called diazotrophs, can be categorized into two primary functional types: symbiotic and free-living. Symbiotic N fixation refers to the process that takes place within the root nodules of leguminous plants through symbiotic associations with diazotrophs (N fixers) like Rhizobia and Frankia. In contrast, free-living N fixation encompasses all other forms of N fixation, primarily involving diazotrophs that exist freely in the soil or on plant leaf surfaces. Identifying the N-contributing potential of a legume species adapted to dry environments is an important premise for defining management that benefits from the BNF process. However, most of the research has been directed at the various aspects involving legume microsymbionts naturally established in dryland soils, with efforts towards obtaining efficient inoculants. The high proportions of N fixed in several tree and herb legumes from dry forests indicate an enormous potential to increase carbon fixation and be used as forage crops, green manure, and agroforestry systems. Despite this, quantitative BNF research is still not very abundant in the international literature and this aspect needs to be considered for future planning.