what r 2 major ways in which nitrogen is fixed in ecosystems?
i don't get what they mean by "major" ways? also wikipedia uses difficult wordings i don't understand.
Lightning is one. Nitrogen-fixing plants and bacteria is another. Industrial processes is another.
thank u drwls
When we talk about the "major" ways in which nitrogen is fixed in ecosystems, it means the most significant or prominent methods by which nitrogen is converted from its inert atmospheric form into a more usable form for living organisms. Nitrogen fixation is essential because most organisms cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen (N2) due to its chemical stability.
There are two primary ways in which nitrogen is fixed in ecosystems:
1. Biological nitrogen fixation: This is a process carried out by certain bacteria, collectively known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3-), which are forms of nitrogen that can be easily utilized by plants. Some nitrogen-fixing bacteria form symbiotic relationships with leguminous plants (e.g., peas, beans, clovers) and reside within specialized structures called nodules on their root systems. Other nitrogen-fixing bacteria known as free-living bacteria are present in the soil.
2. Industrial nitrogen fixation: This refers to the human-driven process of producing fixed nitrogen through industrial means. The Haber-Bosch process is the most common method used for industrial nitrogen fixation. It involves combining atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen under high pressure and temperature to produce ammonia, which is then used as a fertilizer or as a precursor for other nitrogen-containing compounds.
These two methods, biological nitrogen fixation and industrial nitrogen fixation, are considered the major ways in which nitrogen is fixed in ecosystems. The first occurs naturally through bacterial processes, while the latter is a result of human intervention to meet the demand for nitrogen-based fertilizers needed for agriculture and other industrial purposes.