Optimization of Legume Nitrogen Fixation and Use in the Organic Farming Ecosystem

Dear Colleagues,

Organic farming is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to minimize the ecological footprint of agriculture while contributing to global climate goals and biodiversity conservation. As concerns about climate change, resource depletion, and ecological degradation intensify, organic farming is receiving increasing attention as a viable alternative to conventional agricultural practices. Nevertheless, recent large-scale analyses and meta-studies have revealed that many organic cropping systems face significant nitrogen (N) limitations. Maintaining stable yields in these systems depends heavily on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF).

Legume plants play a central role in both agricultural sustainability and human nutrition. Agriculturally, they contribute to soil enrichment through biological nitrogen fixation, improve soil structure, and reduce erosion risks. From a nutritional perspective, legumes provide a cost-effective, protein-rich food source that supports human and animal health, making them vital for addressing global food security challenges. One of the key roles of legume plants is their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.

The advantages of nitrogen fixation are multifaceted. They include improved soil fertility, reduced dependence on synthetic fertilizers, lower input costs for farmers, increased crop yields, improved soil health and structure, and greater resilience of agricultural systems. These benefits also contribute positively to global food security. Biological nitrogen fixation, in particular, represents a natural and sustainable mechanism for supplying plants with nitrogen, an essential nutrient for growth, thereby supporting the development of more eco-friendly and resilient agricultural systems.

Despite its importance, comprehensive estimates of BNF by legume crops under organic management, along with insights into how it differs across species and farming practices, are still lacking. This Special Issue brings together research across a wide range of disciplines, with the aim of advancing the understanding and optimization of legume nitrogen fixation. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the improvement of organic farming ecosystems, ultimately fostering agricultural systems that are both productive and environmentally sustainable.

Dr. Raminta Skipitytė
Guest Editor

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