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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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A forest with barren acidic areas.

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.

Sedimentary rocks of the Grand Canyon. This rock type contains high levels of nitrogen.

Credit: Scott Morford


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Redwood forest in northern California.

The redwood forests of northern California often develop on nitrogen-rich bedrock.

Credit: Scott Morford


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Patch of ground in the Pacific Northwest, with scientist making soil analyses.

Soil analyses from the Pacific Northwest show the long-term rates of rock nitrogen input.

Credit: Scott Morford


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Sedimentary rocks with hammer lying on top.

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.

Marine rocks from northern California; these rocks contain high levels of nitrogen.

Credit: Scott Morford


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