the process of changing free nitrogen into a usable form of nitrogen is called
The process of changing free nitrogen into a usable form is called nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is a vital process that converts atmospheric nitrogen, which exists in the form of a stable molecule (N2), into forms that can be assimilated by living organisms, such as ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate (NO3-). This is important because nitrogen is an essential element for the growth and development of living organisms, including plants and animals.
There are two primary processes of nitrogen fixation:
1. Biological Nitrogen Fixation: It involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+) by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms such as certain bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and Bradyrhizobium) and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These microorganisms have the enzyme called nitrogenase, which allows them to break the triple bond of atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to other organisms.
2. Industrial Nitrogen Fixation: This process takes place through the Haber-Bosch process, which is an industrial method for producing ammonia. The Haber-Bosch process involves combining atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen gas under high temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst to form ammonia (NH3). The produced ammonia can then be further processed into various forms of nitrogen-based fertilizers to enhance agricultural productivity.
So, in summary, the process of changing atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form of nitrogen, such as ammonium or nitrate, is called nitrogen fixation. It occurs through biological nitrogen fixation by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms or industrial nitrogen fixation using the Haber-Bosch process.