Plants that Fix Nitrogen - Nitrogen Fixing Plants List

Plants that fix nitrogen play an essential role in agriculture.
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Definition
They serve as hosts for nitrogen fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, which trap Nitrogen in the soil and make it available to be used by plants which do not have these microorganisms.

Where are Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Found?

All plants need Nitrogen to grow and bear fruit well. It is a building block of amino acids. However plants cannot all make this essential element. Those that cannot make it must rely on bacteria that live in nodules that are located on the roots of plants that provide a good habitat for them to survive in. These plants capture the element and make NH3, which plants can absorb. They also leave it in the soil for other plants to use. In this way, they enrich the dirt.

Why are Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Important?

Although nitrogen is one of the gases that is present in the atmosphere, plants cannot use it in this form. They cannot properly utilize the element as a gas. Nitrogen fixing plants are able to draw nitrogen into the soil, which is where they and other flora can properly employ it.

Plants may also get nitrogen from inorganic fertilizer. Some persons who have access to chicken manure may also add this to the soil in order to give their plants more of the essential nutrients that they require to form leaves and fruit.

Many plants that fix nitrogen are legumes, for example corn is a popular nitrogen fixing plant. Peas and beans also fix this element in the soil. Many of the plants that have this property are edible and several are attractive to look at and are used as ornamental plants.

The following are plants that fix nitrogen:
Ceanothus- ceanothus does not grow taller than around 4 feet. It can also be used medicinally to treat sore throats and sores.
Pea shrub-these plants like a lot of sun
Alfalfa
Clover
Peanuts
Red beans
Soy beans
Alder-this tree grows to about 25 feet and people use its branches and twigs to make baskets
This article was previously published on Scienceray on Nov. 23, 2012.