The Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Fixation (1st Step)

Bacteria converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia where 78% of nitrogen is found in the atmosphere (nitrogen Gas to ammonia)

Nitrification (2nd Step)

This is a two step process where bacteria within soil converts ammonia into nitrite ions and nitrite ions are converted into nitrate ions

Assimilation (3rd Step)

Ammonia or nitrate ions are taken up by plants through their roots to build proteins and nucleic acids

Ammonification (4th Step)

Decomposers converts bacteria in nitrogen-rich organic compounds, wastes, cast-off particles, and dead bodies into ammonia

Denitrification (5th Step)

Bacteria within soil converts ammonia into nitrogen gas which is returned to the atmosphere