Root nodulation is beneficial to plants because plants

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Root nodulation allows plants to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form of nitrogen that plants can use. This is beneficial because plants typically have limited nitrogen supplies and need nitrogen to grow and develop properly. The nodules themselves do not serve as storehouses for nitrogen; instead, they provide a favorable environment for the bacteria to live and carry out nitrogen fixation. Although the nodules do increase surface area for nutrient uptake, this is not the primary benefit of nodulation. Plants do not obtain phosphorous from nodules, as this nutrient is taken up through different mechanisms. Finally, while nodules do contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, they do not "trap" these bacteria; the bacteria actively form a symbiotic relationship with the plant.

Root Nodulation Is Beneficial to Plants Because Plants