Lämmastikufikseerivate

Lämmastikufikseerivate is an Estonian term referring to nitrogen-fixing organisms. These are living beings, primarily bacteria and archaea, that have the remarkable ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or other nitrogenous compounds. Atmospheric nitrogen is abundant, making up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, but most organisms cannot directly utilize it due to the strong triple bond holding the nitrogen atoms together.

Nitrogen fixation is a crucial process for life on Earth. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Without nitrogen-fixing organisms, the nitrogen cycle would be incomplete, and life as we know it would not be possible. These organisms play a vital role in fertilizing the soil, making nitrogen available to plants, which in turn are consumed by animals.

There are two main types of nitrogen fixation: biological and industrial. Biological nitrogen fixation is carried out by free-living bacteria in the soil and water, as well as by symbiotic bacteria that live in association with plants, most notably in the root nodules of legumes (like peas and beans). Industrial nitrogen fixation, such as the Haber-Bosch process, artificially converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia for fertilizer production, but biological fixation remains the dominant natural source of bioavailable nitrogen.