Soil nitrogen plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle within the soil ecosystem. It can exist in various forms such as organic nitrogen (found in proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids) and inorganic nitrogen (such as ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite). Soil nitrogen undergoes processes like nitrogen fixation by symbiotic and free-living bacteria, nitrification, assimilation by plants, and denitrification, which converts nitrate to nitrogen gas. Proper nitrogen management practices, such as fertilizer application, crop rotation, and soil testing, are essential for maintaining healthy soil nitrogen levels for optimal plant growth.
