Final answer:
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria can increase the growth of maize by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth, enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, form a symbiotic relationship with legumes, leading to the development of nodules on the plant's roots. Inside these nodules, nitrogen fixation occurs, where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia by the enzyme nitrogenase. This ammonia is then utilized by the plant to produce amino acids, which are essential for plant growth and development. As a result, these bacteria can play a significant role in increasing the growth of other plants such as maize by enhancing soil nitrogen levels.
When leguminous plants like soybeans are grown in a crop rotation system, they leave behind biologically available nitrogen, which benefits subsequent crops such as maize. This sustainable practice, known as biofertilization, eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, conserving natural resources and promoting soil fertility. Therefore, nitrogen-fixing bacteria act as a natural, renewable fertilizer, capable of supporting the growth of maize and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system.