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 gas (N2), ammonia (NH3), nitrites (NO2-), and nitrates (NO3-), through biological and physical processes.

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What role do bacteria play in the Nitrogen Cycle?

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Bacteria are essential in the Nitrogen Cycle as they convert nitrogen gas into usable forms for plants (nitrogen fixation) and break down dead organic matter to release nitrogen back into the atmosphere (denitrification).

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH3), which can be used by plants.

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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.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process of decomposing organic matter, which releases ammonia (NH3) into the soil.

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What percentage of the Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen?

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Approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas.

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What is the chemical formula for gaseous nitrogen?

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The chemical formula for gaseous nitrogen is N2.

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How do plants obtain nitrogen?

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Plants obtain nitrogen primarily through the soil in the form of nitrates (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+), which are produced by the activities of bacteria.

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What is the importance of the Nitrogen Cycle for ecosystems?

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The Nitrogen Cycle is crucial for ecosystems as it ensures the availability of nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth, which in turn supports the entire food web.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which ammonia (NH3) is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-) by bacteria.