Enhancement of the nitrogen-fixing activity of paddy soils owing to iron application

Anaeromyxobacter and Geobacter, iron-reducing bacteria belonging to Deltaproteobacteria, are newly discovered nitrogen-fixing predominant in paddy soils. We hypothesized that adding ferric iron oxide as an electron acceptor for respiration of the could enhance activity Geobacter In soil microcosm study, significantly increased after ferrihydrite or Fe2O3, oxides, soil. these soils, gene transcripts nifD from were detected, whereas those other general diazotrophs not detected. might be involved enhanced activity. The application powder field soils also This study is first demonstrate addition compounds results this may lead development novel management strategies increase nitrogen fertility ensure rice yields with a reduced fertilizer input lower environmental burden.