"Kay Easton" wrote in message
...
In article 1g3ulyx.nt0z1z32qfggN%00senetnospamtodayta@macunl imited.net
, Jim W writes
Kay Easton wrote:

In article , Franz Heymann
notfranz.
writes


There are very, very few plants (if any?) which can utilise
atmospheric
nitrogen directly.

Isn't that basically what nitrogen fixation (as in legumes and some
other plants) is about?

Thats what I was thinking, but then they utilise mycorhizae (sp?) to do
it (in most cases AFAIK) so its indirect?

But in the context of the current discussion - legumes can wade in and
use the nitrogen whereas most other plants have to wait and hope it
becomes available. Like using fruit pickers as opposed to hoping the
fruit may fall off eventually.

Nicely put.

Franz