what process brings nitrogen into the biotic part of the nitrogen cycle
The process that brings nitrogen into the biotic part of the nitrogen cycle is called nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into a form that plants and other organisms can use, such as ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate (NO3-). It is an essential step in the nitrogen cycle because most organisms cannot use nitrogen in its atmospheric form.
There are two main ways in which nitrogen fixation occurs:
1. Biological nitrogen fixation: Certain bacteria, known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonium. These bacteria form symbiotic relationships with plants, such as legumes (e.g., peas, beans, clover), where the bacteria live within nodules on the plant roots. The bacteria provide the plants with ammonium in exchange for sugars and other nutrients produced by the plants.
2. Industrial nitrogen fixation: In addition to biological nitrogen fixation, nitrogen can also be fixed through industrial processes. The Haber-Bosch process is a commonly used method, where nitrogen gas is reacted with hydrogen gas under high pressure and temperature to produce ammonia. This ammonia can then be further converted into other nitrogen compounds, such as ammonium nitrate or urea, which are used as fertilizers.
In summary, nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen gas is converted into a form that can be used by living organisms. Biological nitrogen fixation occurs through symbiotic relationships between plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, while industrial nitrogen fixation is achieved through chemical processes.