Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of molecular nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) by biological or abiological means. Learn about the discovery, mechanism, enzymes, organisms and ecological significance of nitrogen fixation for life on Earth. Nitrogen is the most important, limiting element for plant production. Biological nitrogen fixation is the only natural means to convert this essential element to a usable form. Nitrogen fixation is the fundamental biological process and the first step in the nitrogen cycle. Certain bacterial species, such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Learn what nitrogen fixation is, how it converts nitrogen gas into ammonia, and which organisms and phenomena are involved in it. Explore the biological and natural processes of nitrogen fixation , and the importance of nitrogen metabolism for life.