A series of processes that forms an integrated mechanism by which a cell or an organism detects the depletion of primary nitrogen source, usually ammonia, and then activates genes to scavenge the last traces of the primary nitrogen source and to transport and metabolize alternative nitrogen sources. The utilization process begins when the cell or organism detects nitrogen levels, includes the activation of genes whose products detect, transport or metabolize nitrogen-containing substances, and ends when nitrogen is incorporated into the cell or organism's metabolism.