Nitrogen Cycle

The circulation and reutilization of nitrogen in both inorganic and organic phases

In proteins RNA and DNA Nitrogen is so essential to life because it is a key component of amino acids and nucleic acids. Even ATP, the basic energy currency of living things, contains nitrogen.

Fixation, Ammonification, Nitrification, and Denitrification

78% of earths atmosphere is nitrogen which is a majority

It has little availability for biological use

Certain kids of plants that have small bumps on their roots called nodules. These nodules have nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

the availability can affect the rate of key ecosystem processes(primary production and decomposition)

FOSSIL FUEL COMBUSTION ARTIFICIAL NITROGEN FERTILIZERS RELEASE OF NITROGEN IN WASTE WATER

Key players in nitrogen fixation are legumes and the symbiotic bacteria that are associated with their root nodules. These nodules have nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Nitrogen fixing bacteria convert nitrogen into the soil to ammonia which can be taken up by some plants. The soil is a major reservoir for ammonia and other nitrogen-containing compounds.

Decomposers convert organic waste into ammonia.

Herbivores are the primary consumers and the nitrogen of the plants is used for the synthesis of key organic compounds such as amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids.

Ammonium converted into nitrate and nitrite (NO2-) through work of nitrifying bacteria.

is the final aspect of the nitrogen cycle. This process is performed by a variety of microscopic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. Nitrates in the soil are broken down by these organisms, and nitrogen is released into the atmosphere.