Dear Colleagues,

Biological nitrogen fixation plays a crucial role in Earth’s nitrogen cycle because it provides large amounts of inorganic nitrogen compounds which can be used for biomass production by different living organisms. Although the process was discovered over a century ago, it is still studied, and every year our understanding of this phenomenon is better thanks to new data resulting from the studies of numerous researchers. N₂-reducing microorganisms (free-living as well as associative for plants) and plant–microbe symbiotic systems have been used in sustainable agriculture for decades as a money-saving and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. At present, as we realize the complexity of nitrogen fixation processes (especially in symbiotic systems), we can develop new ideas focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of this process, which could result in obtaining higher crop yield and minimizing the negative effects of intensive plant production on the environment.

This Special Issue will focus on recent advances in biological nitrogen fixation, as well as the application of new discoveries and concepts in agronomy. We welcome novel research articles and reviews covering all related topics, including interactions between plants and their N₂-fixing symbiotic or non-symbiotic prokaryotic partners, biofertilizers containing microorganisms or their metabolites, new cultivation practices developed for plants cooperating with microbial N₂ fixers, or the use of such plants in crop rotation for the improvement of soil parameters.

Dr. Jerzy Wielbo
Guest Editor

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• nitrogen fixation
• diazotrophs
• biofertilizers
• growth and development of plants
• crop yield
• plant cultivation systems
• sustainable agriculture