Chemistry - Quantities in Chemical Reations

[Ruth]

The Haber's process facilitated the production of chemical fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and has a dramatic impact on crop yields. Since the 19th century, average crop yield per hactare have increased almost five fold for cron and eight-fold for wheat. However, runoff from fertilized fields is a source of water pollution. Also, the high cost of chemical fertilizers has driven some farmers into debt.

Conduct research on the Haber's process including the ingredients and specific conditioners for the reaction. Evaluate the costs ad benefits of technology in this situation.


Above is the topic for my quiz on Monday.
I did some research and found this site:
http://haberchemistry.tripod.com/
Not sure it's going to help or not, I basically don't understand anything about this so called "Haber's process".
...What to quiz about anyway ?

Thank you for reading this long question, hope someone here can help me out^^

 

[dyknowsore]

Don't know if this will help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haber_Process

 

[wais]

The Haber's process, also known as the Haber-Bosch process, was developed in the early 20th century by German chemist Fritz Haber and his team to produce ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2). This process is used to create chemical fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, which have greatly increased crop yields since its invention.

In the Haber's process, nitrogen and hydrogen are reacted at high temperature (400-500 degrees Celsius) and high pressure (200-300 atmospheres) in the presence of a catalyst, usually iron. The reaction produces ammonia, which is then used to make ammonium nitrate fertilizer.

The benefits of the Haber's process are clear - it has revolutionized agriculture and allowed for a significant increase in crop yields, leading to higher food production and improved food security. However, there are also some negative impacts associated with this technology.

One of the main concerns with the Haber's process is the runoff of fertilizers from fields into water bodies, which can lead to eutrophication and harm aquatic ecosystems. This issue has been addressed through the development of more advanced fertilizers that are less prone to runoff, as well as better management practices by farmers.

Another concern is the high cost of chemical fertilizers, which has driven some farmers into debt. This is especially problematic for small-scale farmers in developing countries who may not have the resources to invest in these expensive fertilizers. However, the increased crop yields from using fertilizers can also lead to higher profits for farmers, which can help offset the initial cost.

Overall, the Haber's process has had a significant impact on agriculture and food production, but it is important to consider and address the potential negative effects and costs associated with its use. Continued research and development in this area can help mitigate these concerns and improve the sustainability of agricultural practices.