Nitrogen (N) is naturally available in the form of N2. Nitrogen fixation can be facilitated by microbes such as Rhizobium bacteria, which can establish symbiosis with the roots of legume plants to form root nodules that perform nitrogen fixation. This study aims to determine the characteristics of Rhizobium bacteria in the root nodules of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and koro rawe (Mucuna bracteata). The methods used in this research include collecting root nodules, isolating Rhizobium bacteria, and identifying and characterizing these bacteria for their nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization capabilities. Characterization results on YEMA + Congo red media indicated that 10 out of 16 isolates from peanut root nodules and 30 out of 55 isolates from koro rawe root nodules were positive for Rhizobium bacteria. The nitrogen fixation activity test revealed that only 4 isolates from peanut root nodules and 6 from koro rawe root nodules exhibited nitrogen fixation ability in Jensen's medium. The highest phosphate solubilization index was obtained from isolate KK.5.1.1 (0.5±0.08), while the lowest was from isolate KK.5.2.2 (0.09±0.06). This research underscores the significance of Rhizobium in enhancing nitrogen availability and phosphate solubilization for legume plants.
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