Leucaena - Rhizobium Compatability and Nitrogen Fixation

The compatibility and effectiveness of potentially nitrogen fixing associations between two Rhizobium strains and thirteen collections of Leucaena leucocephala, five other species of Leucaena, and Albizia occidentalis were determined. The appearance, dry weight, and nitrogen content of plants grown with and without Rhizobium were determined. A comparison was made of nitrogen fixed per plant and per unit weight of plant, and the ratio of plant weight (grown with Rhizobium) to plant weight (grown without Rhizobium). The various collections of L. leucocephala made compatible and equally effective nitrogen fixing associations with the two strains of Rhizobium. Compatible and effective nitrogen fixing associations also occurred with L. pulverulenta, L. esculenta, L. diversifolia, and L. collinsii. Less effective nitrogen fixing associations occurred with L. retusa. Although root nodules formed on A. occidentalis, effective nitrogen fixation did not occur.Desert Plants is published by The University of Arizona for the Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum. For more information about this unique botanical journal, please email the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Publications Office at pubs@cals.arizona.edu