Nitrogen Cycle

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What is the nitrogen cycle?

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The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification, allowing nitrogen to be utilized by living organisms.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds in soil, making nitrogen available to plants.

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What role do plants play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Plants absorb nitrogen in the form of nitrates and ammonium from the soil, which they use to synthesize proteins and nucleic acids.

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What is denitrification?

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Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates (NO3-) back into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it into the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen from dead organisms and waste into ammonia (NH3) by decomposers.

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What is eutrophication?

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Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae in water bodies due to nutrient runoff, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to oxygen depletion.

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How does excess nitrogen affect aquatic ecosystems?

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Excess nitrogen can lead to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water when the algae die and decompose, harming aquatic life.

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What is the impact of urbanization on the nitrogen cycle?

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Urbanization can increase nitrogen runoff from fertilizers, leading to eutrophication in nearby water bodies.

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What is the significance of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?

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Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nitrogen back into the soil in forms that plants can use.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-) by bacteria in the soil.