Ecology: Nutrient Cycling

Ecology: Nutrient Cycling
Introduction to Nutrient Cycling

  • This series covers nutrient cycling (biogeochemical nutrient cycling) within ecology.

The "Earthrise" Image and Planetary Perspective

  • The Earthrise image (19681968) revealed Earth as a singular livable planet.

  • It highlighted Earth's fragility by contrasting it with the lifeless Moon, emphasizing the need for planetary protection.

Local Environment: Watersheds

  • Watersheds define landscapes by water drainage into a common waterway, serving as local freshwater supply.

  • Freshwater is vital; humans survive about 33 days without it.

  • Example: Joliet Junior College is in the Rock Run Creek Watershed, part of the larger Des Plaines-Kankakee-Illinois River watershed, leading to the Mississippi River and then the Gulf of Mexico. The Great Lakes are a distinct watershed.

Local Environment: Foodsheds

  • Foodsheds define landscapes by food origin.

  • Reliable, high-quality food is essential after air and water.

  • Food Travel: Average American food travels about 1,5001,500 miles.

  • Sources: Food comes from local Midwest farms, California, Florida, American Southwest, and seasonally from Central/South America or Australia.

  • Urban-Rural Link: Urban populations depend entirely on rural agricultural ecosystems; nature is the original source.