The potential curve of the N-2 ground state (X-1 Sigma(+)(g)) has been accurately reconstructed using the Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) method extrapolated by a Hulburt and Hirschfelder potential for longer internuclear distances. Solving the corresponding radial Schrodinger equation yields 60 bound levels above v = 0, whose energies may be fitted by the following polynomial expansion: G(nu) = Sigma(5)(i=1)a(i)(nu + 1/2)(i), with the coefficients a(i) in cm(-1) equal to 2378.1, -18.516, 0.26662, -6.2127 x 10(-3), and 3.4215 x 10(-5), respectively, for i = 1-5. The effects of considering this more accurate potential on the vibrational distribution function of N-2(X,nu) molecules obtained in nitrogen microwave discharges and post-discharges are compared with previous calculations, using a smaller vibrational manifold. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.