Nitrogen Fixing

Some plants have a relationship with bacteria in the soil such that the bacteria can take nitrogen from the air and pass it in soluble form to the plants. This nitrogen accumulates in the leaves and stems of these plants (typically legumes or actinorhizal plants). When the leaves and stems fall to the ground or when the plant is damaged, and with the leaching from roots, nitrogen is returned to the soil and made available to other plants. By incorporating these plants, some annual, some perennial, you can improve fertility of your garden or food forest. Note that some plant roots will need inoculation with the appropriate bacteria if they are not already in your soils.