Nitrogen Cycle

What is the significance of nitrates in the Nitrogen Cycle?

• Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that plants can easily absorb and use for growth, making them essential for plant nutrition.

• Nitrates are harmful substances that inhibit plant growth and development.

• Nitrates are a type of nitrogen that is only beneficial for soil bacteria.

• Nitrates are used by animals for respiration and energy production.

What are the main sources of nitrogen in the soil?

• Decomposed organic matter, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and atmospheric deposition (like rain)

• Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides

• Soil erosion and compaction

• Excessive irrigation and drainage

What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

• The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including atmospheric nitrogen, nitrates, and ammonium, through biological and physical processes.

• A cycle that describes the movement of carbon through the environment.

• The process of water evaporating and condensing in the atmosphere.

• A method of soil erosion caused by nitrogen depletion.

What is assimilation in the Nitrogen Cycle?

• The process by which plants and animals take up nitrates and ammonium from the soil to build proteins and nucleic acids.

• The conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia by bacteria.

• The release of nitrogen back into the atmosphere by decomposers.

• The absorption of sunlight by plants to produce energy.

What human activities can disrupt the Nitrogen Cycle?

• Use of synthetic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, and deforestation

• Planting more trees and reducing emissions

• Increasing biodiversity and conservation efforts

• Promoting organic farming practices

How do plants obtain nitrogen?

• Through the absorption of nitrates and ammonium from the soil.

• By fixing atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules.

• By absorbing nitrogen gas directly from the air.

• Through the decomposition of organic matter in the soil.

Why is nitrogen important for living organisms?

• It is a primary source of energy for cells.

• It is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are essential for all living organisms.

• It helps in the formation of carbohydrates.

• It is necessary for the synthesis of vitamins.

What natural phenomenon can convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Lightning energy

• Photosynthesis

• Ocean waves

What is ammonification?

• The process of converting organic nitrogen from dead plants and animals into ammonium (NH4+), which can then be used by plants.

• The process of converting ammonium into nitrates for plant uptake.

• The process of breaking down organic matter into carbon dioxide and water.

• The process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into organic nitrogen.

What is nitrification?

• A process where bacteria convert ammonium into nitrite and then into nitrate, which plants can absorb.

• A method of nitrogen fixation by legumes in the soil.

• The process of converting nitrate back into nitrogen gas in the atmosphere.

• A technique used in aquaculture to increase fish growth.