ABSTRACT
The mutualistic relationship between bacteria in the genus Rhizobium and plants in the Fabaceae family is one of the most important interspecific interactions in agroecosystems. As a result of this mutualism, nitrogen derived from the atmosphere is made available to all the biotic members of an agroecosystem, and ultimately to the human managers of the system. This interaction demonstrates the value of relationships in which both members benefit (Chapter 15, pp. 207-209) and shows how such relationships contribute to the overall diversity and stability of an agroecosystem (Chapter 16, pp. 218-220).
