* Building Blocks: Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll, the pigment that allows plants to photosynthesize.
* Protein Production: Nitrogen is crucial for creating proteins, which are essential for all plant functions, including growth, repair, and defense.
* DNA and RNA: Nitrogen is a vital component of DNA and RNA, the molecules that carry genetic information.
How Plants Get Nitrogen:
* Nitrogen Fixation: Some bacteria living in the soil convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms usable by plants.
* Fertilizers: Farmers often use fertilizers that contain nitrogen compounds to supplement the soil's natural supply.
* Crop Rotation: Rotating crops like legumes (beans, peas) with other crops helps increase nitrogen in the soil, as legumes have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Therefore, all farms, whether they grow vegetables, grains, fruits, or flowers, rely on nitrogen for healthy plant growth.