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Keywords: Effect of storms, Soils

PAL Question:

We had quite a lightning storm today, and it made me think of something a friend had told me. He used to farm in Eastern Washington, and he said that lightning was good for the soil and the crops. Is this pure folklore or does it have some scientific basis?

View Answer:

This isn't just folklore. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Severe Storms Laboratory, "Lightning helps plants. The air in our atmosphere is about 78% nitrogen, but it is in a form that plants cannot use. Lightning helps dissolve the nitrogen into the water to create a natural fertilizer so plants can absorb it through their roots."

Season All Season
Date 2012-07-13
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April 19 2012 16:02:30