Applied Ecology ~ Nutrient Cycles: Global, Regional, & Local

Biogeochemistry

The study of how biological, geological, and chemical processes influence the movement of elements through ecosystems.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and recycling of nutrients through living organisms and the environment.

Nutrients

Chemical substances required by organisms for growth, reproduction, and survival.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed in relatively large amounts by organisms.

Micronutrients

Nutrients needed in small amounts but still essential for life.

Decomposition

The breakdown of dead organic matter into simpler substances by decomposers and abiotic processes.

Nutrient Flux

The rate at which nutrients move between pools in an ecosystem.

Influx

The movement of nutrients into a nutrient pool.

Efflux

The movement of nutrients out of a nutrient pool.

Nutrient Sink

A nutrient pool where influx exceeds efflux, causing nutrients to accumulate.

Nutrient Source

A nutrient pool where efflux exceeds influx, causing nutrients to be released.

Nitrogen Fixation

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into biologically available forms by microorganisms.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of water by excess nutrients, leading to increased plant and algal growth.

Mineralization

The conversion of organic nutrients into inorganic forms available for uptake by organisms.

Immobilization

The incorporation of inorganic nutrients into organic matter within living organisms.

Upwelling

The movement of deep, nutrient-rich water to the surface.

Nutrient Spiral

The cyclical movement and downstream transport of nutrients within stream ecosystems.

Processes That Cycle Nutrients Within Ecosystems

Nutrient inputs, uptake by organisms, consumption through food webs, decomposition, mineralization, and nutrient outputs all contribute to nutrient cycling.

General Understanding of Nutrient Cycling

Nutrients move between biotic and abiotic parts of ecosystems and are continually recycled rather than destroyed.