Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Many non-leguminous forest tree species are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic associations with specialized soil microorganisms.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Hippophae rhamnoides (commonly known as Sea buckthorn) is an ecologically important, cold-resistant shrub native to the high-altitude, cold deserts of the Himalayas.
2. It is an actinorhizal plant, meaning it forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes of the genus {Frankia.
3. This association forms root nodules that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form, allowing the plant to thrive in nutrient-poor, rocky soils.
4. In contrast:
- Rhizobium forms symbiotic associations with leguminous plants.
- Azotobacter is a free-living, non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium.
- Glomus is an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus involved in phosphorus uptake.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Sea buckthorn fixes nitrogen through a symbiotic association with Frankia.