MadSci Network: Agricultural Sciences
Query:

Re: How do I make a form of nitrogen, usable by plants

Date: Thu Feb 17 05:52:44 2000
Posted By: Mark Madachik, PD, Heartland Farm/Nursery
Area of science: Agricultural Sciences
ID: 949177855.Ag
Message:

Nitrogen gas surrounds us all, yet we barely notice this benign compound 
exists (78% of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas, N2). However, 
when combined with other elements, nitrogen can have a very schizophrenic 
personality. Nitrogen compounds can be used to feed, or kill, with equal 
ease. This ironic nature of nitrogen was tragically demonstrated in the 
Oklahoma City Bombing when fertilizer was used as an explosive, killing 
hundreds
All living things require nitrogen to live (it is the "amino" in "amino 
acids", a major component in DNA, RNA, and proteins) however few creatures 
can make direct use of the sea of nitrogen surrounding us all. This is 
because the two nitrogen atoms that make up a nitrogen molecule are held 
firmly together by a triple bond which is exceedingly difficult to break. 

Because of this bond, nitrogen gas simply does not participate in any 
reactions at room temperature (or even at the higher temperatures found in 
small fires), and is therefore described as inert. Only at extremely high 
temperatures (such as those found near a lightning bolt or in an 
automobile's engine), or through the magic of "nitrogen fixing" bacteria 
(who work their trick with a complex set of enzymes instead of heat), can 
this triple bond energy be overcome, making nitrogen gas momentarily 
reactive while in an excited state. 

If this excited nitrogen molecule is combined with oxygen (which 
incidentally composes the rest of the atmosphere) nitrogen oxide (NO) is 
produced. This readily oxidizes to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which provides 
the brownish haze seen in smog (as all Los Angeles residents are well 
aware). 

If, on the other hand, the excited nitrogen gas combines with hydrogen, it 
forms ammonia (NH3). And ammonia, unlike smog, is a very useful compound 
indeed. It can be used to make fertilizers, high explosives, nitric acid, 
and household cleaning agents. 
Converting nitrogen gas into more reactive (and useful) nitrogen 
compounds, such as ammonia, encompasses the first stage in the "nitrogen 
cycle". Once converted from its gaseous form, fixed nitrogen compounds 
allow plants to grow large and healthy. Animals gain access to this 
nitrogen by eating the plants, and deposit excess nitrogen in their feces. 
Fixed nitrogen is also returned to the soil when plants and animals die. 
Bacteria then decompose this organic matter first into ammonia, then into 
nitrites (like potassium nitrite: KNO2), and finally into nitrates (like 
potassium nitrate: KNO3), which are again used by plants. Additional 
bacteria return some of the fixed nitrogen back to the atmosphere (in the 
form of nitrogen gas), thereby regulating the whole cycle
  Now that I backgrounded you to death...Nitrogen is obtained commercially 
primarily by membrane separaters.  This is not something one could easily 
or more importantly..cheaply do at home.  Even if you did get your 
Nitrogen gas then you would as explained above convert it to a form that 
can be utilized by plants which entails many other processes.  Its just a 
lot cheaper and easier to contact a local stable and tell them you would 
like to remove their manure.  You will get free fertilizer and make a 
friend too......Mark


Current Queue | Current Queue for Agricultural Sciences | Agricultural Sciences archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Agricultural Sciences.



MadSci Home | Information | Search | Random Knowledge Generator | MadSci Archives | Mad Library | MAD Labs | MAD FAQs | Ask a ? | Join Us! | Help Support MadSci


MadSci Network, webadmin@www.madsci.org
© 1995-2000. All rights reserved.