Answer
First, nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and ammonium ions. Plants and plant-eating organisms then synthesize these nitrogen-saturated compounds. When these plants and animals decay, the nitrogen returns to the atmosphere.
Work Step by Step
First, nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and ammonium ions. Plants and plant-eating organisms then synthesize these nitrogen-saturated compounds. When these plants and animals decay, the nitrogen returns to the atmosphere.