South African studies on biological nitrogen-fixing systems and the exploitation of the nodule bacterium-legume symbiosis

Research contributions in the field of biological nitrogen fixation by South African scientists, locally and in collaboration with colleagues abroad, are reviewed. An account is given of the diverse diazotrophic systems and aspects studied and references to the scientific literature pertaining to the South African contributions are made available. Emphasis is placed on the exploitation and potential of the nodule bacterium-legume symbiosis in local agriculture.