Dinitrogen fixation in an agroforestry context requires a careful approach
which initially require derivation of the methods to be used and careful
selection of the priorities of factors which influence the process. Nitrogen
element is an important component of protein foods, hence its mechanisms of
incorporation in biomass and grain through fixation is vital. The methods used
to comprehend its incorporation are crucial to food production.
It is suggested that priority of the factors affecting the basic process of
dinitrogen fixation, especially light and water, should be taken into
consideration. Logically, a quick assessment of a nitrogen fixer versus a
non-fixer should be grown near and far then their assessment done with respect
to biomass response. Next phase should then involve how appropriate it would be
to design spacing in dinitrogen fixation experiments.
Since dinitrogen fixation research is specific, there is need to clearly
state the obejctives. Observations should start on growth components and
characters associated with yield and dinitrogen fixation. Growth, nodulation and
dinitrogen fixation should involve looking at the dry matter of the tops of
plants, nodule number, position, colour, size, shape and weight. In case some
competition stress is observed in the initial stages of the study, then such
simple parameters of total leaf area, leaf dry weight, specific leaf area and
canopy structure should be studied in the second phase. Having accumulated some
knowledge about the performance of the system in the early stages, then analysis
of yield discerning processes in relation to canopy structure can then be
assessed.