Nitrogen Cycle
4/23/2014 6:52:00 PM
In the atmosphere it exists as
, which is not
First, it needs to be converted into ammonium (
.
) or nitrate (
)
Nitrogen fixing bacteria can do this, they live on the root nodules of
more commonly known as beans and potatoes.
Cyanobacteria ( blue-green algae) can do this as well in aquatic
environments.
can also break the Nitrogen triple bond ( Abiotic)
Humans can also fix nitrogen by cultivating legumes, using synthetic
Fertilizers and burning
NITROGEN FIXATION – when the
bonds are broken
AMMONIFICATION – when nitrogen is converted to
by
decomposers or bacteria.
NITRIFICATION – when
is added to nitrogen to make
Nitrous Oxides (nitrate or nitrite). This is also performed by bacteria.
DENITRIFICATION – When
leaving N2 – also done by
is removed from nitrates or nitrites
.
EUTROPHICATION – when excessive fertilizer runoff containing Nitrogen or
Phosphorus causes an
of plant material ( algal blooms)
Draw a picture of the Nitrogen cycle!
What is the human impact on the Nitrogen cycle?
4/23/2014 6:52:00 PM
4/23/2014 6:52:00 PM