nitrogen cycle

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle is the series of processes through which nitrogen and its compounds move through the ecosystem, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification.

What is nitrogen fixation?

Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into a form that plants can use, typically ammonia (NH3), often facilitated by certain bacteria.

What is nitrification?

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia (NH3) is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-) by soil bacteria.

What is denitrification?

Denitrification is the process in which nitrates (NO3-) are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2), returning nitrogen to the atmosphere, typically carried out by anaerobic bacteria.

What is the chemical formula for ammonia, a key component in the nitrogen cycle?

The chemical formula for ammonia is NH_3.

What is the chemical formula for nitrate, an important form of nitrogen in the nitrogen cycle?

The chemical formula for nitrate is NO_3^-.

What is the chemical formula for nitrite, the intermediate form in the nitrification process?

The chemical formula for nitrite is NO_2^-.

What is the process that converts nitrogen gas (N2) into a usable form like ammonia (NH3)?

The process is called nitrogen fixation, which converts N2 into NH3.

What is the gas released back into the atmosphere during denitrification?

During denitrification, nitrogen gas, represented by the chemical formula $$N_2