Stikstofvastlegging

Stikstofvastlegging, also known as nitrogen fixation, is a crucial natural process that converts atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into a more reactive form, typically ammonia (NH3). This conversion is essential because most organisms, including plants and animals, cannot directly utilize the abundant nitrogen in the atmosphere. Nitrogen fixation is primarily carried out by certain types of bacteria and archaea, which are often found in symbiotic relationships with plants, such as legumes. These microorganisms possess enzymes that can break the strong triple bond in nitrogen gas.

There are two main types of nitrogen fixation: biological and industrial. Biological nitrogen fixation is the natural process described above. Industrial nitrogen fixation, most notably the Haber-Bosch process, is a human-engineered method that synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases under high temperature and pressure. This process is vital for the production of synthetic fertilizers, which significantly increase agricultural yields worldwide. However, the overuse of these fertilizers can lead to environmental issues like eutrophication.

Once nitrogen is fixed into ammonia, it can be further converted by other microorganisms through nitrification into nitrites and nitrates, which are readily absorbed by plants. This cycle is a fundamental part of the Earth's nitrogen cycle, supporting life by making this essential element available to ecosystems.