nitrogen fixation
noun
: the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a combined form (such as ammonia) through chemical and especially biological action (such as that of soil rhizobia)
Examples of nitrogen fixation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This suggests that the enzyme nitrogenase, crucial for nitrogen fixation, was destroyed by oxygen.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
When two became one Until this discovery, the ability to transform nitrogen from a gas into a usable form — something called nitrogen fixation — was a feat that scientists thought only certain kinds of bacteria and other simple microbes could pull off.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
Consider inoculating pea seeds before planting to increase nitrogen fixation rates.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025
But if they are grown in soil that is too acidic, nitrogen fixation is reduced and pea plants won’t grow well.1 To keep pea crops healthy, grow these plants in rich, well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025
At present, nitrogen fixation—the chemical process required to produce ammonia from nitrogen gas—is hugely energy intensive, accounting for as much as two percent of the world’s annual energy budget.
—Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Clearly, this is a recurring theme in the world of nitrogen fixation.
—Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2024
Legume seeds can be inoculated with rhizobia bacteria before planting to enhance nitrogen fixation even further.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2024
The relationship appears to represent a significant chunk of nitrogen fixation on Earth.
—Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
When two became one Until this discovery, the ability to transform nitrogen from a gas into a usable form — something called nitrogen fixation — was a feat that scientists thought only certain kinds of bacteria and other simple microbes could pull off.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
Consider inoculating pea seeds before planting to increase nitrogen fixation rates.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025
But if they are grown in soil that is too acidic, nitrogen fixation is reduced and pea plants won’t grow well.1 To keep pea crops healthy, grow these plants in rich, well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025
At present, nitrogen fixation—the chemical process required to produce ammonia from nitrogen gas—is hugely energy intensive, accounting for as much as two percent of the world’s annual energy budget.
—Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Clearly, this is a recurring theme in the world of nitrogen fixation.
—Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2024
Legume seeds can be inoculated with rhizobia bacteria before planting to enhance nitrogen fixation even further.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2024
The relationship appears to represent a significant chunk of nitrogen fixation on Earth.
—Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen fixation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen%20fixation. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share