What occurs during the process of nitrogen fixation?

During the process of nitrogen fixation, nitrogen gas (N₂) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH₃) by certain bacteria and other microorganisms. This process is crucial because atmospheric nitrogen is not directly usable by most living organisms. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as those found in the roots of leguminous plants or free-living bacteria in the soil, play a vital role in this transformation.

The conversion is facilitated through various methods, including biological nitrogen fixation, which involves enzymes like nitrogenase that help in the reaction. Once ammonia is produced, it can be further processed by plants and microorganisms into forms that are usable in the nutrient cycling process. This ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a biologically available form is fundamental to ensuring that ecosystems have a continuous supply of nitrogen, which is essential for the growth and development of plants and, subsequently, the entire food web.