What is the function of nitrogen in Earth's atmosphere?

Answer 1

Nitrogen makes up 78% by volume of dry air, and makes up 4% of the dry weight of plant matter and 3% of the human weight. It is a necessary component of living organisms. Atmospheric nitrogen cannot be accessed by plants or animals, so it is converted for plant uptake and then animal ingestion via three processes:

• Biological nitrogen fixation: via soil organisms such as actinomycetes
• Chemical nitrogen fixation: manufactured for ammonium-based fertilizers
• Atomospheric addition: deposited on earth via industrial wastes, rain and lightning.

So to directly answer the question, the function of atmospheric nitrogen is as a storage facility. The nitrogen is made into a useable chemical compound via 3 processes and through those processes becomes part of every living thing on the planet.

Answer 2

Nitrogen in Earth's atmosphere mainly acts as an inert gas, meaning it is relatively stable and does not readily react with other elements. It helps maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in supporting life through its presence in proteins and DNA.