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Agronomy
Special Issues
Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation
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Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2021) | Viewed by 31432

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jerzy Wielbo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
Interests: plant–bacterial symbiosis; rhizobial genetics and physiology; biofertilizers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Biological nitrogen fixation plays a crucial role in Earth’s nitrogen cycle because it provides large amounts of inorganic nitrogen compounds which can be used for biomass production by different living organisms. Although the process was discovered over a century ago, it is still studied, and every year our understanding of this phenomenon is better thanks to new data resulting from the studies of numerous researchers. N2-reducing microorganisms (free-living as well as associative for plants) and plant–microbe symbiotic systems have been used in sustainable agriculture for decades as a money-saving and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. At present, as we realize the complexity of nitrogen fixation processes (especially in symbiotic systems), we can develop new ideas focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of this process, which could result in obtaining higher crop yield and minimizing the negative effects of intensive plant production on the environment.

This Special Issue will focus on recent advances in biological nitrogen fixation, as well as the application of new discoveries and concepts in agronomy. We welcome novel research and reviews covering all related topics, including interactions between plants and their N2-fixing symbiotic or non-symbiotic prokaryotic partners, biofertilizers containing microorganisms or their metabolites, new cultivation practices developed for plants cooperating with microbial N2 fixers, or the use of such plants in crop rotation for the improvement of soil parameters.

Dr. Jerzy Wielbo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nitrogen fixation
  • diazotrophs
  • biofertilizers
  • growth and development of plants
  • crop yield
  • plant cultivation systems
  • sustainable agriculture

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 163 KiB  
Editorial
Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation
by Jerzy Wielbo
Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11101941 - 27 Sep 2021
Viewed by 2191
Abstract
Nitrogen is essential for the growth and functioning of all living organisms; however, only 2% of Earth’s nitrogen is available for them [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 1847 KiB  
Article
The Effect of a Preparation Containing Rhizobial Nod Factors on Pea Morphological Traits and Physiology
by Karolina Smytkiewicz, Janusz Podleśny, Jerzy Wielbo and Anna Podleśna
Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081457 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2055
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of increasing the pea yields by improving the symbiotic nitrogen fixation through the use of a preparation containing bacterial Nod factors (NFs). Two pea cultivars were included in the experiment: Wiato (with traditional [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of increasing the pea yields by improving the symbiotic nitrogen fixation through the use of a preparation containing bacterial Nod factors (NFs). Two pea cultivars were included in the experiment: Wiato (with traditional foliage) and Model (afila type). Before sowing, the seeds were soaked in distilled water (control) and in a preparation of Nod factors at a concentration of 10−12 M dm−3 H2O. As a result, of the Nod factor preparation use, an acceleration of the date and uniformity of pea plant emergence was observed. The treatment had also a positive effect on the number and weight of root nodules, which resulted in a significant increase in the yield of vegetative and generative plant organs. A positive effect of seed soaking with NFs preparation was also observed in the dynamics of pea weight increase, chlorophyll content in leaves and the values of gas exchange parameters. Model cultivar of pea had generally higher values of the analysed traits than Wiato, but the response of both cultivars to Nod factors was similar. This means that application of the preparation containing NFs, may improve the growth, development, and yield of both types of pea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
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14 pages, 3570 KiB  
Article
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Na-Alginate Addition Enhances the Survival and Agronomic Performances of a Liquid Inoculant of Bradyrhizobium japonicum for Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
by Pulak Maitra, Jubair Al-Rashid, Dipa Mandal, Md. Shofiul Azam and Noorain Munim Rasul
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11051009 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6445
Abstract
Nontoxic polymers PVP and Na-alginate may provide a favorable environment for the survival of bacteria. Therefore, PVP and Na-alginate were added to a growth medium to develop a liquid inoculant of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain. The strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The [...] Read more.
Nontoxic polymers PVP and Na-alginate may provide a favorable environment for the survival of bacteria. Therefore, PVP and Na-alginate were added to a growth medium to develop a liquid inoculant of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain. The strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The addition of PVP (1.8%) and Na-alginate (0.2%) in the medium promoted a better survival (1.93 × 109 cells mL−1) of B. japonicum strain compared to the control (3.50 × 102 cells mL−1) after 6 months of storage. The combination of PVP and Na-alginate ensured 1.53 × 107 cells mL−1 up to 12 months of storage under ambient temperature (28 ± 2 °C), whereas PVP (1.8%) or Na-alginate (0.2%) alone produced similar cell counts only up to 8 months and 6 months, respectively. Consecutive field experiments proved the efficacy of the liquid inoculant on nodulation and yield of soybean. The combination of PVP and Na-alginate-based inoculation of B. japonicum strain significantly increased the nodule number per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed yield, and yield per hectare (p ≤ 0.05). Thus, the combination of PVP- and Na-alginate-based inoculation of B. japonicum has great potential to popularize the organic cultivation of soybean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
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15 pages, 956 KiB  
Article
Effect of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) Undersowing Cultivation and Nitrogen Fertilization on Weed Infestation, Biomass Yield and Its Component, Content and Uptake of Macroelements of Willow (Salix viminalis L.)
by Waldemar Helios
Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040786 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2811
Abstract
Fertilization of willow with nitrogen is an important issue with economic and environmental implications. The study was aimed at determining the effect of nitrogen fertilization and white clover on weed infestation, morphology, biomass and chemical composition of willow. A field experiment was established [...] Read more.
Fertilization of willow with nitrogen is an important issue with economic and environmental implications. The study was aimed at determining the effect of nitrogen fertilization and white clover on weed infestation, morphology, biomass and chemical composition of willow. A field experiment was established at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland) during the years 2013–2017 with the use of a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results showed that the number and dry mass of weeds per m2, the number of willow shoots and the fresh weight yield of willow were smaller where the clover was sown. The plants were found to be higher after applying nitrogen fertilization. The dry mass yield and shoot diameter did not depend on the cultivation method. Nitrogen fertilization increased the ash content. Undersowing willow with white clover, higher nitrogen content was found. Nitrogen fertilization increased the content of ash, and in undersowing cultivation, the willow stems had higher nitrogen content than in monoculture. On average, the phloem had 5.6 times higher crude ash content and 4.6 times higher nitrogen content than wood. On the basis of the conducted research, it can be concluded that in the first years after planting, the undersowing growing of willow with white clover can be an alternative to plantations fertilized and non-fertilized with nitrogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
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13 pages, 416 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Uptake from Different Sources by Soybean Grown at Different Sowing Densities
by Elżbieta Radzka, Katarzyna Rymuza and Andrzej Wysokinski
Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040720 - 9 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1975
Abstract
The objective of the research reported here was to determine the amount of nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere and taken up from mineral fertilizer and soil reserves by soybean cv. Abelina grown at three densities (per 1 m2) under central European [...] Read more.
The objective of the research reported here was to determine the amount of nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere and taken up from mineral fertilizer and soil reserves by soybean cv. Abelina grown at three densities (per 1 m2) under central European conditions. Moreover, an attempt was made to determine what amount of nitrogen taken up from the individual sources was removed from the field with seed yield and was introduced to the soil with post-harvest residues and that will be the source of this macronutrient for the following plants. The following densities were used: A1–50 seeds, A2—70 seeds and A3—90 seeds per 1 m2. The share of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere, soil reserves and mineral fertilizer and taken up by the total plant biomass was 46.28, 45.52 and 8.2%, respectively. The whole biomass accumulated 58.51, 52.85 and 9.71 kg N∙ha−1 from the respective sources. An average of 95.24 kg N∙ha−1 was removed from the field with seeds, it being 46.17, 42.20 and 6.68 kg N∙ha−1 for an uptake from the atmosphere, soil reserves and mineral fertilizer, respectively. An incorporation into soil of residues and roots provided over 25.82 kg N∙kg−1 associated with all the sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
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19 pages, 1264 KiB  
Article
Forecrop Effects on Abundance and Diversity of Soil Microorganisms during the Growth of the Subsequent Crop
by Anna Siczek, Magdalena Frąc and Agata Gryta
Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121971 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2676
Abstract
Plant residues introduced into the soil influence the soil’s physical, chemical, and consequently, biological parameters, which have an influence on plant health and yields. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of the cultivation of widespread plant species, faba bean (Vicia [...] Read more.
Plant residues introduced into the soil influence the soil’s physical, chemical, and consequently, biological parameters, which have an influence on plant health and yields. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of the cultivation of widespread plant species, faba bean (Vicia faba L., F) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L., W) (as forecrops) grown under conventionally tilled fields, on the diversity of microorganisms and the enzymatic activities of soil during the growth of the subsequent wheat. Bulk soil samples (0–20 cm) were taken three times from two months after residue incorporation into the soil to the maturity of the subsequent wheat crop in order to assess the fungal and bacterial communities (Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), terminal restriction fragments lengths polymorphism (t-RFLP)), ammonia oxidizing archaea (t-RFLP, denaturing gradient gel glectrophoresis (DGGE)), and the enzymatic activity of soil. Differences in the genetic structure of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) were observed for each treatment and sampling term, indicating that plant and weather conditions are the driving force for microorganism selection and adaptation. We observed that the fungal community was more influenced by the forecrop type used than the bacterial community. The activities of the enzymes changed in response to the forecrop and sampling period. A higher number of microorganisms that are associated with plant benefits with respect to nutrients and growth, as well as higher amounts of N in the residues, was noted in faba bean than in wheat soil. This could indicate better growth conditions after faba bean and, consequently, better yield quality and quantity. This may also indicate some protective role of the soil after faba bean against pathogens, which may be connected with lower fungicide requirements. The obtained results lead to a deeper understanding of the microorganism reactions to faba bean and wheat residues during wheat cultivation. In addition, they may be helpful in improving our understanding of subsequent crop yield responses to forecrops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
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23 pages, 2429 KiB  
Article
Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity of Rhizobia Isolated from Trifolium rubens Root Nodules
by Anna Marzec-Grządziel, Anna Gałązka, Monika Marek-Kozaczuk and Anna Skorupska
Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091286 - 30 Aug 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3039
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic and phenotypic differentiation of bacteria isolated from root nodules of Trifolium rubens, a rare clover species. The symbiotic compatibility of selected isolates was investigated using two agronomically important plants, red clover ( [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic and phenotypic differentiation of bacteria isolated from root nodules of Trifolium rubens, a rare clover species. The symbiotic compatibility of selected isolates was investigated using two agronomically important plants, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). A high genetic diversity of analysed strains was shown using the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) method. Most of the strains showed a high similarity to R. leguminosarum in the 16S rRNA sequence. Two strains were identified as Agrobacterium spp. There was a strong positive correlation between fresh clover weight and the number of root nodules and a statistically significant increase in the number of the root nodules in selected strains compared to the negative control. Phenotypic tests and BIOLOG analysis showed the ability of the analysed strains to grow in different experimental conditions (pH = 6–10, 0.5–3% NaCl, different carbon and nitrogen sources), which makes them suitable for application as an agronomically important factor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
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Review

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20 pages, 804 KiB  
Review
The Challenge of Combining High Yields with Environmentally Friendly Bioproducts: A Review on the Compatibility of Pesticides with Microbial Inoculants
by Mariana Sanches Santos, Thiago Fernandes Rodrigues, Marco Antonio Nogueira and Mariangela Hungria
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050870 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8284
Abstract
Inoculants or biofertilizers aiming to partially or fully replace chemical fertilizers are becoming increasingly important in agriculture, as there is a global perception of the need to increase sustainability. In this review, we discuss some important results of inoculation of a variety of [...] Read more.
Inoculants or biofertilizers aiming to partially or fully replace chemical fertilizers are becoming increasingly important in agriculture, as there is a global perception of the need to increase sustainability. In this review, we discuss some important results of inoculation of a variety of crops with rhizobia and other plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Important improvements in the quality of the inoculants and on the release of new strains and formulations have been achieved. However, agriculture will continue to demand chemical pesticides, and their low compatibility with inoculants, especially when applied to seeds, represents a major limitation to the success of inoculation. The differences in the compatibility between pesticides and inoculants depend on their active principle, formulation, time of application, and period of contact with living microorganisms; however, in general they have a high impact on cell survival and metabolism, affecting the microbial contribution to plant growth. New strategies to solve the incompatibility between pesticides and inoculants are needed, as those that have been proposed to date are still very modest in terms of demand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
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