Nitrogen Cycle

nitrogen fixation

Process of converting nitrogen gas into a usable form

Nitrification

Ammonia (NH3) is converted to nitrate ions (NO3-).

Denitrification

The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas (N2) which is then released into the atmosphere.

Decomposition

A chemical reaction that breaks down compounds into simpler products.

Bacteria

Microscopic living organisms, usually one-celled, that can be beneficial or dangerous.

Nitrogen gas (N2)

78% of the gasses in the atmosphere. This gets converted to ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3-) that plants and algae can use.

Ammonia (NH3)

A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. This is the result of Nitrogen gas (N2) once it is "fixed."

Nitrates (NO3)

A chemical that includes nitrogen and oxygen, often used as a fertilizer. They are inorganic compounds that can be found in nature and in several foods we eat.

Nitrogen Cycle

The cycling of nitrogen between organisms, soil, water, and the atmosphere

Lightning

converts nitrogen gas from the air into nitrates

Nitrites (NO2)

Cannot be used by organisms unless it goes through the nitrifying process by bacteria.