Senescence is one of the major factors affecting the efficiency of nitrogen fixation in legume nodules， and in-depth studying the regulatory mechanisms of the senescence of nodule is of great significance. This article reviewed the progress on studying the senescence of nodule from the aspects including morphological characteristics， physiological and biochemical changes， pathways of senescence， and the regulation of material metabolism. The functions of senescence-related genes in both legume and rhizobia during the process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation were summarized. It is put forward that developing new methods and technologies of studying can contribute to a more thorough elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolism of key substances in the senescence of nodules. A thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the senescence of nodule can be helpful for the genetic modification of delaying the senescence of nodule， thereby improving the efficiency of nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants and promoting the sustainable development of agricultural production.