Ask us anythingWhere does nitrogen from the atmosphere go before it enters a plant?

Nitrogen from the atmosphere primarily enters the soil through a process called nitrogen fixation, which is carried out by certain bacteria and archaea that can convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃). This ammonia can then be further transformed into nitrates (NO₃⁻) by nitrifying bacteria. Plants absorb these nitrates and ammonium ions through their roots, allowing them to utilize nitrogen for growth and development.