Question

In the nitrogen cycle, what is needed to convert nitrogen into nitrates and nitrites?

Answer 1

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter, are needed to convert nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) through the process of nitrogen fixation. From there, nitrifying bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, convert ammonia into nitrites (NO2-) and nitrates (NO3-), respectively.