Nitrogen Cycle Flashcards
1
Q
Nitrogen Fixation
A
In order to be used by most organisms, nitrogen must be present in the form of ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3-). Atmospheric nitrogen can be converted into these forms or “fixed” by atmospheric effects such as lightning storms, but most nitrogen fixation is the result of actions of certain soil bacteria (Rhizobium)
2
Q
Nitrification
A
In this process, soil bacteria converts ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+) into the nitrites (NO2) and then to one of the forms that can be used by plants- nitrate (NO3-)
