In the nitrogen cycle how does the nitrogen get out of the atmosphere and into living things?

Nitrogen gas diffuses into the soil from the atmosphere, which is then converted and used by plants. Some plants fixate the bacteria more than others. Nitrogen then goes through the decomposition cycle and is rotated through the different stages. Lighting can also convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and nitrate that enter soil with rainfall. People have learned how to convert nitrogen gas to ammonia and nitrogen-rich fertilizers to supplement the amount of nitrogen fixed naturally through plants.