Nutrient Cycling

Nutrient Cycling

The process through which nutrients move through the soil, plants, and various ecosystems.

Essential Nutrients

Nutrients that are necessary for the growth and development of plants, including macronutrients and micronutrients.

Macronutrients

Elements required by plants in larger quantities (>0.1% dry weight), such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

Micronutrients

Elements required by plants in smaller quantities (<0.1% dry weight), such as Iron, Copper, and Manganese.

Soil Fertility

The ability of soil to hold nutrients and make them available for plant growth.

Cation Exchange

The ability of soil to hold positively charged ions (cations) and exchange them with the soil solution.

Anion Exchange

The ability of soil to hold negatively charged ions (anions) and exchange them with the soil solution.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into bioavailable forms like ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-).

Eutrophication

The process of nutrient enrichment in water bodies, often leading to excessive plant growth and oxygen depletion.

Chelates

Complexes formed that can increase the solubility and mobility of micronutrients in soil, preventing them from becoming insoluble.