EventHorizan
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Nitrogen goes through various transformations as it becomes plant food. Bacteria help with these processes. Nitrogen gas (N2) is absorbed into soil, but is unusable by plants in this form. Bacteria then convert the Nitrogen gas into Ammonium ions (NH4+), which can easily be utilized by plants. The only other naturally occurring usable form of Nitrogen is NO3-, which is converted by lightning in the atmosphere. It then enters the soil through rainfall. Without the conversion of N2 to NH4+ by beneficial bacteria, plant would literally be waiting around for lightning to strike to receive nitrogen.
Nitrification is the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, which plants can use as food.
Plants can also use ammonium as food, so the biological breakdown of nitrogen into ammonium (called Assimilation or Mineralization) helps to feed plants, as well. This also feeds beneficial bacteria in the soil.
Nitrogen Fixation is the conversion of nitrogen gasses in the air to organic nitrogen for plants. Only certain bacteria and lightning can do this.
Bacteria also have an indirect impact on plant growth by inhibiting pathogens. Soil bacteria produce hydrogen cyanide. This is a compound that degrades the cell walls of fungus. This weakens the defenses of the bad guys.
Many types of bacteria also produce compounds that give soil antibiotic properties. Certain bacteria create their own biofilm, which acts as a protective layer. When bacterial colonies are covered in biofilm, it is much harder for pathogens to break into those areas of the soil. In this way, established beneficial bacteria “elbow out” the pathogens by taking over all of the space around roots.
What does all of this mean for you? In soil, you are unlocking the full potential of the nutrients already present. You may also be ale to reduce the amount of pesticides needed in your grow. These same benefits may be available in hydro, as well.
Nitrification is the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, which plants can use as food.
Plants can also use ammonium as food, so the biological breakdown of nitrogen into ammonium (called Assimilation or Mineralization) helps to feed plants, as well. This also feeds beneficial bacteria in the soil.
Nitrogen Fixation is the conversion of nitrogen gasses in the air to organic nitrogen for plants. Only certain bacteria and lightning can do this.
Bacteria also have an indirect impact on plant growth by inhibiting pathogens. Soil bacteria produce hydrogen cyanide. This is a compound that degrades the cell walls of fungus. This weakens the defenses of the bad guys.
Many types of bacteria also produce compounds that give soil antibiotic properties. Certain bacteria create their own biofilm, which acts as a protective layer. When bacterial colonies are covered in biofilm, it is much harder for pathogens to break into those areas of the soil. In this way, established beneficial bacteria “elbow out” the pathogens by taking over all of the space around roots.
What does all of this mean for you? In soil, you are unlocking the full potential of the nutrients already present. You may also be ale to reduce the amount of pesticides needed in your grow. These same benefits may be available in hydro, as well.
