Nitrogen Cycle

Ammonification

Organic nitrogen compounds are decomposed into simpler forms by decomposers like bacteria and fungi. These decomposers break down the organic matter and convert it into ammonium

Nitrification

Nitrifying bacteria converts ammonium into nitrite and then nitrate

Assmilation

Occurs when plants take in these nitrogen compounds from the soil through their roots

Nitrogen fixation

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable form by certain bacteria. This process can occur through biological nitrogen fixation, where nitrogen fixing bacteria converts nitrogen gas into ammonium or other organic nitrogen compounds/also can occur through lightning fixation

Denitrification

The process by which certain bacteria, known as denitrifying bacteria converts nitrate back into atmospheric nitrogen gas