Which Element Is Required for Nodulation in Legumes?

Answer: Molybdenum is required for nodulation in legumes. Molybdenum is a trace element important for both plants as well as animals. Without molybdenum, legumes cannot get the necessary bacteria for attaching nitrogen to their root nodes.

What is legume nodulation?

Legumes are able to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria called rhizobia. The result of this symbiosis is to form nodules on the plant root, within which the bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that can be used by the plant.

How do legumes fix nitrogen?

Legumes (peas, vetches, clovers, beans and others) grow in a symbiotic relationship with soil-dwelling bacteria. The bacteria take gaseous nitrogen from the air in the soil and feed this nitrogen to the legumes; in exchange the plant provides carbohydrates to the bacteria.