BIOA02H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Nitrogen Fixation, Micronutrient, Nutrient

• School: UTSC
• Department: Biological Sciences
• Course: BIOA02H3
• Professor: Ivana Stehlik

Document Summary

Elements that are necessary for life, that are ordered from most important to least important. Least important element: molybdenum: 1 molybdenum requires 60 000 000 hyrdrogen, 40 000 000 carbon, etc. 2 classes of soil minerals: large quantities and small quantities (trace elements: macronutrient: requires in relatively large amount, micronutrient: required relatively small amounts. If a plant is missing either a macronutrient or a micronutrient: cannot function or live. Essential building block for life, basic metabolism, photosynthesis. Atmospheric overabundance (78% of atmosphere n2), bioavailability through bacteria. Young soils limited in n until bacteria build it up. Nitrogen tends to be limit (however, it is one of the most abundant element) Absence prevents plant from completing its life cycle. The only way nitrogen exist the atmosphere and becomes available in the soil (except through bacteria): through lightening: a lot of pressure and heat during lightening strike needed to move nitrogen gas.