Biological nitrogen fixation: Reducing the N footprints of the environment

Abstract

Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) is a vital ecological process where certain microorganisms, such as bacteria and archaea, convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia, which can be used by plants as a nutrient. The French chemist Antoine Lavoisier gave the name "azote" which translates to "without life" to the element nitrogen. Contrarily, it has been demonstrated that this component is present in all living things. The amount of nitrogen that is available to the plant has a big impact on how productive the crop is. Nitrogen is an important macronutrient, which plays an important role in the growth and development of plants. It is a major component of chlorophyll, the most important pigment needed for photosynthesis, as well as amino acids, the key building blocks of proteins. Due to its energy intensive manufacture, impact on air and water quality, soil and water acidification, and climate change, nitrogen-like fertilizer production and overuse come at a significant financial and environmental cost. There are significant potential gains to reduce our dependence on nitrogen fertilization in agriculture. BNF is an environmentally friendly solution to address nitrogen deficiencies and increase crop production. BNF is the only natural process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into biologically useful forms. Nitrogenfixing bacteria support soil fertility by living in the soil or creating symbiotic interactions with plants, which in turn promotes the growth of numerous crops. This organic process is essential for maintaining global nitrogen cycles, agricultural production, and ecosystems health. It also lessens the demand for synthetic fertilizers.