nitrogen cycle

What is the nitrogen cycle?

movement of nitrogen containing molecuels between sources & sinks/resorviors

What is the main nitrogen reservoir?

atmosphere

What is nitrogen critical for?

for all biotic nutrients

What is nitrogen fixation?

Process of converting N2 into NH3

What is bacterial fixation?

certain bacteria that live in the soil convert N2 into NH3

What is synthetic fixaiton?

humans combust FFs to convert N2 into NO3

What does assimilation mean?

biotic organimsms absorb nitrogen into their bodies

What is ammonification?

decomposers converting dead biomass back into NH3 and returning it to soil

What is nitrification?

converison of NH4 into NO2 & then by bacteria

What is NH4?

ammonium

What is N2?

nitrogen gas

What is NH3?

ammonia

What is NO3?

nitrate

What is N2O?

nitrous oxide

What is denitrification?

convertimg NO3 into N2O & releasing into air

What is carbon fixation?

plants use photosynthesis to turn CO2 into organic compounds

What is CO2?

carbon dioxide

What is NO2?

nitrogen dioxide