Atmosphere contains 78% N2, very unreactive so can't be used directly by plants and animals. Nitrogen is needed for making growth proteins.
Decomposers - break down proteins and urea and turn them into ammonia.
Nitrifying bacteria - turn ammonia in decaying matter to nitrates.
Nitogen-fixing bacteria - turn N2 into useful nitrogen compounds.
Denitrifying bacteria - turn nitrates to N2.
Lightning - can make nitrogen react with oxygen and make nitrates as there is so much energy.
Plants get nitrogen from soil. Animals get proteins by eating.
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