Nitrogen cycle

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Nitrogen fixation:78% of atmosphere is made of nitrogen. N2 is a very stable molecule so will not take place i any reactions so cannot be used by plants if animals as a source of Nitrogen. The N2 is turned into ammonia ions (NH4+) by nitrogen fixing bacteria. The ammonia ions can be found in root nodules in plants or in the soil

Ammonia is turned into Nitrites NO2

Nitrite is turned into Nitrates which can then be absorbed and used by plants

Nitrification: The process in which ammonia is produced by the breakdown of ammonia.

Denitrifying bacteria are able to return nitrogen to its abiotic source by converting nitrates to nitrogen gas.