Question

In what two ways can nitrogen gas be broken down into the nutrients for plants?

Answer 1

It can form nitrates or nitrides.

Explanation:

Elemental nitrogen can only go two ways - oxidation or reduction. Oxidation produces nitrate compounds, and reduction produces ammoniacal compounds. Sometimes they are combined in one fertilizer, like ammonium nitrate. Both forms are water soluble and can be used as nutrients for plants.