The process of conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds is called nitrogen fixation

Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) or other molecules that can be used by living organisms. This is an essential process for all life forms since nitrogen is a crucial element for building proteins and nucleic acids.

Types of Nitrogen Fixation
- Biological nitrogen fixation: carried out by certain bacteria and archaea, either free-living in the soil or forming symbiotic relationships with plants.
- Industrial nitrogen fixation: involves the Haber-Bosch process, where nitrogen and hydrogen are combined under high pressure and temperature to produce ammonia.

Biological Nitrogen Fixation
- Symbiotic nitrogen fixation: occurs in leguminous plants such as soybeans and clover, where bacteria like Rhizobium form nodules on the plant roots to convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.
- Free-living nitrogen fixation: carried out by bacteria such as Azotobacter and Cyanobacteria in the soil or water, where they convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia for their own use.

Importance of Nitrogen Fixation
- Provides plants with a vital nutrient for growth and development.
- Reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can have harmful environmental effects.
- Contributes to the nitrogen cycle, maintaining a balance of nitrogen in ecosystems.

Challenges of Nitrogen Fixation
- Energy-intensive process, especially in industrial nitrogen fixation.
- Environmental impacts such as nitrogen runoff leading to eutrophication of water bodies.
- Limited efficiency of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in certain conditions.
In conclusion, nitrogen fixation is a crucial biological and industrial process that sustains life on Earth by converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for plants and other organisms.