# Ammonia produced by the Haber process can be converted into nitric acid, which is then reacted with ammonia to form ammonium nitrate. Explain why ammonium nitrate is a suitable source of nitrogen for use in NPK fertilisers.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.10.4 The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

> NPK fertilisers improve agricultural productivity by supplying plants with essential elements. Nitrogen-containing compounds are a key component of these fertilisers.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Plants need nitrogen to grow / nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth
2. Ammonium nitrate contains nitrogen / is a nitrogen compound
3. Ammonium nitrate is soluble (in water) / can be absorbed by plant roots (from soil solution)
4. Ammonium nitrate has a high nitrogen content / provides nitrogen from two sources (ammonium ion and nitrate ion)

## Key terms

- [NPK fertilisers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/npk-fertilisers)
- [ammonium nitrate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ammonium-nitrate)
- [nitrogen](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nitrogen)
- [Haber process](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/haber-process)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ammonia-produced-by-the-haber-process-9d1aded7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.