Nutrient Cycles

Weathering

Break down of rocks, releasing phosphorus into soil/water

Assimilation

Plants absorb phosphorus from soil and use it to grow

Evaporation

Water → vapor and rises into atmosphere

Condensation

Vapor → liquid (cools) forms clouds

Precipitation

Water falls from clouds as rain, snow, hail

Transpiration

Plants release water vapor → atmosphere

Nitrogen Fixation

nitrogen gas (N2) → ammonia (NH3) by bacteria or lightning

Nitrification

Ammonia(NH3) → nitrites (NO2-) and then nitrates (NO3-)

Dentrification

bacteria convert nitrates (NO3-) → nitrogen gas (N2)

Ammonification

Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing ammonia (NH3) into soil

Respiration

Organisms break down food for energy, releasing CO2 into atmosphere

Combustion

Burning of fossil fuels/biomass, releasing CO2 into atmosphere