Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3), which is then used by plants to produce proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds. Nitrogen fixation is essential for life on Earth, as nitrogen is a key component of all living things.

The USU biochemists are working to crack the code of nitrogen fixation in order to develop new and more efficient ways to produce ammonia. This could have a significant impact on agriculture, as nitrogen fertilizers are a major expense for farmers. Additionally, developing new nitrogen fixation methods could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as current nitrogen fertilizer production methods are a major source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

The USU biochemists' work is still in the early stages, but their research has the potential to revolutionize nitrogen fixation and have a major impact on agriculture and the environment.