Nitrogen Cycle

N Assimilation

Plant roots take in NH4 (ammonium) or NO2 (nitrate) incorporate it into new biomes

N Ammonification

Soil microbes/decomposers converts organic N (waste, biomass) into ammonium (NH4) in soil

Nitrification

Aerobic bacteria converts NH4 into nitrite (NO2) and then nitrate (NO3)

Denitrification

Bacteria in anaerobic conditions convert nitrate (NO3) into N2 gas which returns to atmosphere

Climate

N2O (nitrous oxide) = greenhouse gas which warms earths climate

Leaching

Process where water-soluble substances, nutrients, or contaminants are dissolved by water and carried downward through soil or waste materials

Eutrophication

The process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphrous.

Biotic fixation

Living organisms (soil bacteria & rhizobacteria) turn nitrogen gas (N2) from the air into a form plants can use to grow

Abiotic Fixation

Lightning Fixation (Natural): Extreme heat/energy from lightning breaks N2 gas in the air and converts it directly into nitrate (NO-3) which then falls to the ground in rain

Atmosphere

Main Nitrogen reservoir, Nitrogen exists as N2 gas which is not usable by plants/animals