Source: GENETIC LITERACY PROJECT, 9/17/20


Everyone has heard of the nutrient, nitrogen, but why is it important to plants? It’s a key ingredient in proteins, both in the grains (seeds) we eat and in leaves.  Nitrogen-starved leaves may turn yellow and have lower rates of  photosynthesis, which turns carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into new plant growth. To keep food affordable and protect the environment, crop plants need just the right amount of nitrogen, but this is a challenge for both farmers and scientists. Too much nitrogen fertilizer on crops pollutes rivers and well water and its cost makes ...

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