Ammonification
plants die→decompose→convert to NH3 and NH4
Nitrogen Fixation
Links the atmosphere part to the terrestrial part, plants cannot use the N2 gas in the atmosphere
N2+3H2→2NH3
Assimilation
The process where plants and animals take up nitrogen compounds like nitrates from the soil to build proteins and other essential molecules for growth and development.
NH3, NH4, NO3 used in plant production
Nitrification
Gas to ammonia. The process where bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites, then into nitrates.
NH3→NO2→NO3
Dentrification
The process where bacteria convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas, releasing it back into the atmosphere.
NH3 and NH4 → NO2 and NO3 → N2; links terrestrial back to the atmospheric part