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News Release 18-021
New source of global nitrogen discovered: Earth’s bedrock
Nutrient fuels plant growth worldwide
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Nitrogen from bedrock can result in side-by-side productive forests and barren acidic areas.
Credit: Scott Morford
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Sedimentary rocks of the Grand Canyon. This rock type contains high levels of nitrogen.
Credit: Scott Morford
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The redwood forests of northern California often develop on nitrogen-rich bedrock.
Credit: Scott Morford
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Soil analyses from the Pacific Northwest show the long-term rates of rock nitrogen input.
Credit: Scott Morford
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Sedimentary rocks contain, on average, around 400 parts per million nitrogen, a high level.
Credit: Scott Morford
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Marine rocks from northern California; these rocks contain high levels of nitrogen.
Credit: Scott Morford
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