That plants need nutrients has been known pretty much as long as humans have been growing them, but it was not until the 1840s that Justus von Liebig identified the role of nitrogen. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading $ 0 / $ NaN /year All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Prior to artificial fertilisers, farmers would typically use plant nutrients mainly from sources such as faeces and urine.
Then, in 1903, Norwegian scientists Kristian Birkeland and Sam Eyde built a factory to produce nitrogen fertiliser based on principles discovered by Henry Cavendish in 1784. Because the process required large amounts of energy and was inefficient, they built their factory next to a Norwegian hydroelectric power station. Although it was an advance, it wasn't viable at scale and the growing demand for nitrates during the 19th century had to be sourced by mining niter and guano deposits.
Global production of nitrogen fertiliser will continue to grow along with the demand for food. Picture Shutterstock This caused environmental devastation on islands such as Nauru, that included the destruction of bird habitats. Fortunately, nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere and in 1909 Fritz Haber and his assistant Robert Le Rossignol discovered a more efficient way to produce ammonia from the air.
By this time, ammonia had become crucial for industry as well as agriculture. Recognising the potential, the German chemical company BASF purchased the process. MORE GREAT READS: The storm that spoiled Britain's morning cuppa How does soap work? Here, we dish the dirt Why do we like surprises? They assigned Carl Bosch to investigate a way to operate it on an industrial scale.
By the outbreak of World War I, BASF's plant in Oppau was manufacturing 20 tonnes of ammonia per day. Until that time, ammonia was needed primarily for growing crops, but now it became essential to the German war effort. While the Allies had access to large deposits of sodium nitrate that could be mined, the Germans did not.
This meant that synthetic ammonia from the Bosch plant was now crucial for making explosives. Without it, they would've faced defeat within months. Today, a form of the Haber-Bosch reaction is still used.
And, although it captures nitrogen from the air, hydrogen is mostly sourced from natural gas. Hopefully this can be replaced by "green" hydrogen, but it is not currently cost competitive. It's an urgent mission because in 2018 global production of nitrogen fertiliser was 117.
5 million tonnes and will continue to grow along with the demand for food. The Fuzzy Logic Science Show is at 11am Sundays on 2xx 98.3FM.
Send your questions to [email protected]; Podcast: FuzzyLogicOn2xx.Podbean.
com Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy More from Canberra Govt urged to make protocol after CIT boss was stood down for two years 23m ago 'Ironic': DPS diversity adviser claims she was sacked over her disability 23m ago Think you could run a successful ski lodge? Now is your chance 23m ago No comment s Ask Fuzzy: Where does nitrogen fertiliser come from? 23m ago No comment s Robbers make off with empty tin after 'Mouse' tells of drug stash 23m ago Tales of the kitty: how does containment affect cat ownership numbers? 23m ago No comment s Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading.
.. DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.
Loading...
WEEKLY Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Loading..
. WEEKLY FootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered. Loading.
.. DAILY Early Look At David Pope Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon.
Loading...
AS IT HAPPENS Public Service News Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service. Loading..
. WEEKLY Explore Travel Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe. Loading.
.. WEEKLY Property Get the latest property and development news here.
Loading...
WEEKLY What's On Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Loading..
. WEEKLY Weekend Reads We've selected the best reading for your weekend. Loading.
.. WEEKLY Times Reader's Panel Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers.
Loading...
WEEKDAYS The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep.
Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Loading..
. TWICE WEEKLY The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Loading.
.. WEEKLY Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.
Loading...
TWICE WEEKLY Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Loading..
. AS IT HAPPENS Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks. Loading.
.. DAILY Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper.
Ready to read from 5am! Loading...
DAILY Your favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Loading..
..
