With climate change and increasing restrictions on the use of traditional nitrogen fertilizers, modern agriculture faces new challenges. Extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and flooding, frequently disrupt plant development and their ability to absorb nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Limited nitrogen availability can lead to growth suppression and significant yield losses.
Can plants use atmospheric nitrogen?
Atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) accounts for approximately 78% of the air composition, yet most plants cannot assimilate it directly. Without specific mechanisms, nitrogen in this form remains unavailable to them.
However, some plants—particularly legumes (e.g., soybean, pea, lucerne)—overcome this issue through symbiosis with root nodule bacteria. These microorganisms convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium ions, a plant-available form.
How much nitrogen is in the atmosphere?
The Earth’s atmosphere is rich in nitrogen, but its uptake by plants is limited. Only certain microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, can convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms accessible to crops.
Root nodule bacteria, which colonize legume roots, are well known for their ability to supply nitrogen. However, other microorganisms can also support plant growth without requiring a symbiotic relationship.
How can atmospheric nitrogen be made available to plants?
Plants need nitrogen for proper growth, yet it is not always readily available in the soil. There are natural methods to supply this essential element, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria that function independently of soil conditions and specific plant species.
Nitrogen fixing bacteria – a natural alternative to fertilizers
Some bacteria, such as Rhizobium, live in symbiosis with legumes, forming root nodules where they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a plant available form.
Besides symbiotic bacteria, free-living nitrogen-fixing microorganisms exist that enhance nitrogen availability for various crops. These include:
✔ Azotobacter
✔ Azospirillum
✔ Paenibacillus polymyxa
Such bacteria can be applied as microbial inoculants to improve nitrogen supply in agriculture.
The unique properties of Paenibacillus polymyxa
The bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa is an endophytic microorganism, meaning it colonizes the internal tissues of plants. Unlike root-nodule bacteria, it does not require legumes and can function across various crops.
✔ Fixes atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into ammonium ions that plants can readily absorb.
✔ Improves nitrogen uptake, especially in conditions where soil nitrogen is limited.
✔ Rapidly colonizes plant tissues within two hours of application.
✔ Produces biostimulants that enhance plant growth and resilience.
At what temperatures do Paenibacillus polymyxa fix nitrogen?
Research has shown that Paenibacillus polymyxa is active within a broad temperature range—from 4°C to 36°C. This adaptability allows it to perform effectively in various climatic conditions and soil types.
BACTIM® ENDOFIX – an innovative solution for agriculture
After extensive research into Paenibacillus polymyxa, BACTIM® ENDOFIX was developed—an advanced microbial inoculant that naturally provides nitrogen to plants.
✔ Reduces the need for mineral nitrogen fertilizers by up to 20% without compromising yields.
✔ Stabilizes nitrogen availability throughout the growing season.
✔ Works independently of soil conditions, making it effective in low-nitrogen soils.
✔ Can be applied alongside other agrochemicals, facilitating easy integration into existing farming practices.
How does BACTIM® ENDOFIX regulate nitrogen availability?
With conventional fertilization, nitrogen levels fluctuate significantly—leading to periods of excess nitrogen, which may cause losses through leaching, and deficiencies, which hinder crop growth and productivity.
BACTIM® ENDOFIX ensures a more stable nitrogen supply by:
✔ preventing nitrogen starvation,
✔ optimizing nitrogen use efficiency,
✔ supporting consistent yield and plant health.
Conclusion – the future of nitrogen management?
Reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers is a crucial step toward sustainable agriculture. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Paenibacillus polymyxa, enable plants to naturally access nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen inputs.
BACTIM® ENDOFIX is an innovative solution that not only enhances nitrogen nutrition but also stabilizes nitrogen availability throughout the season. This allows farmers to lower fertilization costs, reduce nitrogen losses to the environment, and maintain high crop yields.
