Final answer:
Sustainable agriculture and nitrogen fixers like rhizobia engage in a mutualistic symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. Rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen for plants, which in turn provide organic compounds and a suitable living environment for the bacteria, resulting in an increase in crop yield and soil fertility while conserving resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between sustainable agriculture and nitrogen fixers is called a symbiotic relationship because both parties mutually benefit from each other. Nitrogen fixers such as rhizobia bacteria form nodules on the roots of leguminous plants to fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia—a form of nitrogen that plants can readily use for growth and development. In return, the plant provides the bacteria with carbohydrates and a protected environment. This interaction boosts crop yield and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, thus supporting sustainable agriculture by conserving natural resources and minimizing chemical use.
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation contributes to soil fertility and provides a natural and inexpensive alternative to chemical fertilizers, making it a crucial part of sustainable agricultural practices. The bacteria get the benefit of carbon compounds from the plant, which are products of photosynthesis, while the plants obtain an essential nutrient for their growth. This relationship is an excellent example of mutualism in agriculture.