Nitrogen is available to plants mostly in the form of ________.
A) nitrogen in the atmosphere
B) nitrite ions in the soil
C) uric acid from animal excretions
D) nucleic acids from decomposing plants and animals
E) nitrate and ammonium ions in the soil

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrogen is most commonly available to plants in the form of nitrate and ammonium ions in the soil. These ions are produced through the process of nitrogen fixation, where specialized bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. Nitrite ions are also present in the soil, but in much lower concentrations than nitrate and ammonium ions. Uric acid from animal excretions and nucleic acids from decomposing plants and animals can also release nitrogen into the soil, but these sources are not as common as nitrate and ammonium ions. Nitrogen in the atmosphere cannot be utilized by most plants and must first be converted into a usable form.

Nitrogen Is Available to Plants Mostly in the Form of ________