Question

What is biological nitrogen fixation?

Answer 1

Biological nitrogen fixation is the process where certain bacteria (like Rhizobium) living symbiotically in root nodules of legumes convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia, which plants can use to synthesise amino acids and proteins. The plant provides carbohydrates to the bacteria, which use these to reduce nitrogen to ammonia. This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, benefiting the plant and subsequent crops.