By Scout Nelson
Researchers at North Dakota State University are working to improve how crops naturally receive nitrogen. The study focuses on the relationship between legumes and helpful soil bacteria known as rhizobia. These bacteria play an important role in converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.
The research is led by Barney Geddes, an assistant professor at NDSU. His team aims to increase symbiotic nitrogen fixation, which can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. This approach can lower costs for farmers and reduce environmental impact. The project has received support from major organizations, including the National Science Foundation and USDA, along with regional agricultural groups.
“The overall goal of the research is to maximize symbiotic nitrogen fixation in agriculture to reduce the need for environmentally and economically costly chemical nitrogen fertilizers,” says Geddes. “While we continue fundamental research to understand what makes the symbiosis work, we now also do a lot more translational work, helping farmers understand what's going on in their fields and improving the microbial products available to them.”
The research studies how rhizobia work within root nodules of plants like beans, peas, soybeans, and lentils. Scientists are examining the genetics of these bacteria to understand how they affect nitrogen fixation. They are also identifying strains that perform better and compete well in real farm conditions.
A key challenge is that naturally occurring bacteria often outcompete more effective strains added by farmers. These native strains form nodules but may not fix nitrogen efficiently. By studying this process, researchers have identified stronger strains that offer better results.
The project also supports practical solutions. Lilac Agriculture, Inc. has been created to bring this technology to farmers through improved microbial products. These products aim to help crops meet nitrogen needs naturally while improving soil health.
“Our goal is to identify and develop elite rhizobia that are both highly competitive and efficient nitrogen fixers,” says Gayathri Senanayake, an NDSU Ph.D. student working in the Geddes lab on the research.
This research supports sustainable farming and may improve crop production while reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
Photo Credit: istock-pkujiahe
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Soybeans