Nitrogen Nutrition in Plants

Plants require a balanced diet of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stay healthy. Through photosynthesis, they produce carbohydrates and convert some into fats. Nitrogen is essential for protein synthesis, but plants can only absorb it from the soil in the form of nitrogenous compounds. Fertilizers and manures artificially replenish soil nutrients, while natural processes like rhizobium bacteria in legume roots and lightning also contribute to nitrogen fixation.

What are the primary nutrients that plants need to stay healthy?

• Vitamins and minerals

• Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

• Water and sunlight

• Oxygen and hydrogen

How do plants primarily obtain nitrogen?

• By absorbing it through leaves

• From nitrogenous compounds in the soil

• Through photosynthesis

• From the air directly

What is the role of fertilizers in agriculture?

• To provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

• To increase soil acidity

• To reduce water usage

• To enhance plant color

Which bacteria is known for fixing nitrogen in leguminous plants?

• Lactobacillus

• E. coli

• Rhizobium

• Staphylococcus

What is the symbiotic relationship between leguminous plants and rhizobium bacteria?

• The plant and bacteria do not interact

• The bacteria provide nitrogen, and the plant provides food

• Both organisms compete for nutrients

• The plant provides nitrogen, and the bacteria provide food

How does lightning contribute to nitrogen fixation?

• By providing energy for photosynthesis

• By increasing soil temperature

• By converting gaseous nitrogen into nitrogenous compounds

• By breaking down nitrogenous compounds in the soil

What natural event can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants?

• Lightning during thunderstorms

• Volcanic eruptions

• Earthquakes

• Tidal waves