This pea root was busy fixing nitrogen into its roots all winter, preparing my soil for a growing season for other vegetables. The light colored nodules along the roots are infections of a rhizobia bacteria. Though the bacteria consumes carbohydrates and proteins provided by the pea, it supplies ammonia (otherwise known as a chemical fertilizer!) that the legume benefits from. Both the pea and the bacteria benefit from this symbiosis.
I've since turned under the peas and their nitrogen-rich roots, so my carrots and beets and chard will get to benefit from the fertilized soil.
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