GEOG 001 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Nitrogen Fixation
17 May 2020
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A single molecule of nitrogen can be cycled through the whole process (cascading effect) Eg, n atom starts as smog-forming compound cascade begins. Can form nitric acid in lakes and forest toxic to organisms. Same n atom in ocean forms red tides and dead zones. May finally return to atmosphere as greenhouse gas destroying ozone. We rely on n for many things, (eg stability in food production etc) The atmosphere (it makes up ~78% of air), however, most organisms cannot use the atmospheric form of nitrogen. The nitrogen cycle is crucial, because it is how atmospheric n is changed into useful form. Base of amino acids, used to build proteins we use proteins for almost anything. Also important part of dna and rna. Development of intensive agriculture and industrial processes, the nitrogen cycle has been manipulated on a massive scale. Much more nitrogen on earth/in atmosphere than in the past. Processes which is the process of making industrial fertilizer.
