Understanding What the Nitrogen Cycle Is
The nitrogen cycle is the natural process that moves nitrogen between the air, soil, plants, animals, and bacteria. It ensures living things get the nitrogen they need.
Why Nitrogen Matters
Nitrogen is an essential element for proteins and DNA. Even though the atmosphere is mostly nitrogen gas, plants and animals cannot use it in that form.
Nitrogen Fixation
Certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas into usable forms like ammonia. Lightning can also fix nitrogen. This is the first step that makes nitrogen available to life.
Nitrification in the Soil
Soil bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates, which plants absorb through their roots. These nitrates help plants grow strong and healthy.
How Nitrogen Moves Through Living Things
Animals get nitrogen by eating plants or other animals. When living things release waste or die, bacteria return nitrogen to the soil.
Denitrification Back to the Atmosphere
Other bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, sending it into the atmosphere and completing the cycle.
Human Impact on the Nitrogen Cycle
Fertilizers, pollution, and burning fuels add excess nitrogen to ecosystems. This can harm water sources, soil, and wildlife.
The Simple Takeaway
The nitrogen cycle is how nitrogen moves through the environment. It makes nitrogen usable for plants and animals and keeps ecosystems in balance.