Factors Affecting Nodule Development

There are many factors which affect formation and longevity of nodules in roots of leguminous plants. These are (i) concentration of inorganic nutrients, (ii) soil temperature (optimum temperature between 25 and 30°C favors nodulation; it is inhibited at cooler and warmer extremes), (iii) light and shading (high light increases nodule numbers, whereas shading depresses nodule weight), (iv) CO₂ concentration (high CO₂ concentration increases nodule numbers), (v) addition of nitrogen (on addition of nitrogen both numbers and weight of nodules are reduced), and (vi) rhizosphere microorganisms. 

Moreover, carbohydrate storage in plant is increased in abundance of light and CO₂ concentration as a result of which the numbers and weight of nodules are increased. Nitrogen retards carbohydrate concentration; therefore, carbohydrate : nitrogen ratio (CNR) theory may be applicable to support nodulation.