Nitrogen fixation by bacteria occurs in root nodules of nitrogen-fixing trees. (IMAGE)

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Nitrogen fixation by bacteria occurs in root nodules of nitrogen-fixing trees.

Caption

Nitrogen fixation by bacteria occurs in root nodules of nitrogen-fixing trees. This nitrogen fixer, a member of the genus Inga, is growing in a recovering tropical forest in Panama. Trees with the ability to fix nitrogen also are able to access rock-derived nutrients like phosphorus by partnering with unique microbial communities in soil beneath their roots.

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Credit: Sarah Batterman.

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