The Nitrogen Cycle

Question 1

How is nitrogen gas converted into nitrate ions in the soil?

Answer 1

1. Haver process converts nitrogen to ammonia which is turned to nitrates by nitrifying bacteria
2. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil and root nodules

Question 2

What happens to nitrates on the soil?

Answer 2

They are taken up by the roots and built up into proteins. The plant could be eaten

Question 3

What happens to urea and other waste?

Answer 3

Broken down to ammonia by decomposers