Why is the abundance of atmospheric nitrogen impossible for plants to use? Describe three processes that convert nitrogen sources into a usable form for plants

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Nitrogen is 78% of the atmosphere and plants can not use it just how it comes. This is because it is so hard to break the bond that it has. The bond won't break so that is why the abundance of atmospheric nitrogen is impossible for plants to use. There are three processes that convert nitrogen sources into a usable form for plants. The first is fixation. Fixation occurs when atmospheric nitrogen is fixed to a usable form through one of three fixation processes. Fixation can occur biologically, through lightning, or industrially. If fixation were to occur biologically, the nitrogen gas would diffuse into soil. The bacteria within the soil would convert the nitrogen into ammonium ions. Ammonium ions then be used by the plants. On the other hand, if fixation were to occur through lightning, nitrogen would be converted into ammonia as well as nitrate and then be used by plants. Lastly, if fixation were to occur industrially nitrogen would be converted into ammonia or even nitrate. This would be done as we know how. For example we make things such as nitrogen rich fertilizer for plants to use. The second process is called decomposition. This occurs when a plant uses nitrogen compounds. An animal then eats this plant causing the nitrogen compounds to enter the animal. The nitrogen compounds mix into the soil as soon as the animal excretes the waste. Another way would be if the animal were to die. The animal would then decompose to soil and the nitrogen compounds would then mix with soils and be able to be used by pants again. The third process is known as nitrification. This process is done by nitrifying bacteria. The bacteria lives in the soil which then converts ammonia into nitrate.