Biogeochemical cycles

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What is a biogeochemical cycle?

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A biogeochemical cycle is the movement of chemical elements and compounds between living organisms and the physical environment.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH3), making it available for use by plants.

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What is the role of nitrogen in living organisms?

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Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.

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What is runoff in the context of biogeochemical cycles?

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Runoff is the process by which water, along with dissolved substances like fertilizers, flows over land and into bodies of water.

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What is leaching?

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Leaching is the process by which soluble substances are washed out from the soil into groundwater or surface water.

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What is the largest reservoir of nitrogen on Earth?

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The largest reservoir of nitrogen is the atmosphere, which is composed of about 78% nitrogen gas.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen from dead organisms is converted into ammonia by decomposers.

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What are nitrates?

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Nitrates are compounds that contain nitrogen in the form of NO3- and are an important nutrient for plants.

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What is the carbon cycle?

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The carbon cycle is the series of processes by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

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How do plants contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

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Plants absorb nitrates and ammonia from the soil to synthesize proteins and nucleic acids.