what form do plants take up nitrogen
Nitrogen form Symbol Use in soils and plants Dinitrogen(Atmospheric Nitrogen) N2 Dinitrogen is the most common form. It makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere but cannot be used by plants. It is taken into the soil by bacteria, some algae, lightning, and other means. Nitrate NO3 Nitrate is the form of nitrogen most used by plants for growth and development. Nitrate is the form that can most easily be lost to groundwater. AmmoniumNitrogen NH4 Ammonium taken in by plants is used directly in proteins. This form is not lost as easily from the soil.