Outreach in Biotechnology

in the 20th century, scientists developed processes to convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) – which is plentiful but can’t be used by plants – to ammonia (NH₄) and other forms of fixed nitrogen, and to extract the phosphorus and potassium from mined ores. These ingredients are used to generate a wide range of fertilizers with various release attributes and physical properties for different application methods. See also natural fertilizers, nitrogen fertilizers.