Nitrogen is available to plants mostly in the form of
A) N2 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 mostly available to plants in the form of nitrate and ammonium ions in the soil. These ions are produced through the process of nitrogen fixation by bacteria or the breakdown of organic matter in the soil. Other forms of nitrogen, such as N2 in the atmosphere or nitrite ions in the soil, are not readily available to most plants. Uric acid from animal excretions and nucleic acids from decomposing plants and animals can contribute to nitrogen availability in soil after further breakdown, but their initial forms are not easily absorbed by plants.

Nitrogen Is Available to Plants Mostly in the Form of