Nitrogen (N)
Anhydrous Ammonia is one of the richest sources of nitrogen. Ammonia (see figure 4) synthesis is known as the Haber-Bosch process. This process “employs an iron catalyst promoted with small amounts of alkali, magnesium, aluminum, and calcium. The effect of the ammonia synthesis process upon the chemical and fertilizer industries has been profound.” Pure nitrogen is obtained from the cryogenic separation of air apart form the ammonia synthesis system.
“Air oxidation of NO to NO is carried out simultaneously with the disproportionation reaction which is as follows:

2NO + 0₂ --> 2NO₂

3NO₂ + H₂0 --> 2HNO₃ +NO

This reaction releases lots of heat and is therefore exothermic. Ammonium nitrate is quickly spread through the soil and therefore into the roots of plants. There are many plants which have unique relationships such as symbiosis. The nitrogen fixing plants are key to providing nitrogen to other plants. On Arda, the possibility of using many symbiotic relationships throughout the crops and environment, This is definitely another source of nitrogen besides extracting it from rocks which can fertilizer plants around. The problem with nitrogen in soil is that it dissipates rapidly because the water and nitrogen, when mixed form nitrogen ions and flow quickly around and through the soil. The best source of nitrogen would probably be ammonia.

Potassium (K₂O)
Through osmosis, Potassium is secreted into the roots of plants and is essential to the plants metabolism. It also aids in the disease resistance and the growth of plants. With a deficiency of potassium, the visible signs include smaller and less abundant leaves. In the fertilizer industry, crystalline chloride salt and potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) are also used as fertilizer for plants.

Figure 3 (gypsum rock)

Figure 4 (ammonia molecule (NH₃))

Back - Home - Next