Deciphering the Ecological and Molecular Dynamics of Free-living Nitrogen Fixers

Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria (FLNFB) are a fascinating yet underexplored group within the nitrogen cycle, presenting significant promise for enhancing soil fertility and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Unlike their symbiotic counterparts, these bacteria function independently or in loose association with plants, converting atmospheric nitrogen in a diverse array of ecosystems, from cultivated lands to natural and degraded habitats. Contemporary research begins to reveal their potential in contributing to soil health and productivity, positioning them as crucial players in ecological and agricultural systems.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate recent insights into the biology and application of FLNFB, focusing on their molecular pathways, diversity, and role as soil bioinoculants. One of the central objectives is to deepen our understanding of their interactions with plants, both direct and indirect, and their impact on the architecture and functionality of the rhizosphere microbial community. Additionally, this Research Topic seeks to unravel their ecological significance across varying environmental conditions, facilitating their integration into sustainable agricultural practices.

To gather further insights into this pivotal research area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Molecular and physiological mechanisms behind nitrogen fixation in free-living diazotrophs

• Diversity, distribution, and ecological roles of FLNFBs in diverse agroecosystems

• Interactions between FLNFBs and plant systems, including colonization and growth promotion

• Effects of FLNFBs on rhizospheric microbiome dynamics and nutrient cycling

• Bioformulation and performance of FLNFB inoculants under field conditions

• Development of synthetic communities and microbiome engineering with FLNFB for sustainable agriculture

We encourage contributions spanning fundamental research to applied studies, especially those examining varied plant species, soils, and climate conditions. Interdisciplinary approaches linking microbiology, plant science, ecology, and biotechnology are strongly encouraged.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Free-living Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria, Soil Nitrogen Fixation, FLNFB Bioinoculants, Rhizosphere Microbiome Dynamics, Sustainable Agriculture Microbial Solutions

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.