Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen gas

is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is an essential component of amino acids and nucleic acids, making it vital for all living organisms.

Ammonia

is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3) that is produced from the breakdown of organic matter and is a key part of the nitrogen cycle, serving as a source of nitrogen for plants.

nitrates

are compounds that contain the nitrate ion (NO3-) and are crucial for plant growth as a nitrogen source.

Nitrogen fixation 

is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds in the soil, primarily by certain bacteria and archaea. This process is essential for making nitrogen available to plants and is a key step in the nitrogen cycle.

nitrification

is the biological process by which ammonia (NH3) is converted into nitrate (NO3-) by soil bacteria. This process is important for transforming nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb and utilize.

denitrification

is the microbial process that converts nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O), releasing it back into the atmosphere. This process is vital for completing the nitrogen cycle and helps reduce excess nitrogen in the soil.

absorption

is the process by which plants take up nitrogen compounds, mainly nitrates, through their roots from the soil, allowing them to synthesize amino acids and proteins essential for growth.

deamination

is the process by which amino groups are removed from amino acids, converting them into ammonia (NH3) and organic acids. This process is important for recycling nitrogen within the ecosystem.

Nitrogen runoff

is the process by which excess nitrogen from agricultural fertilizers or organic matter is washed into bodies of water, leading to nutrient pollution and potential algal blooms.