nitrogen cycle Flashcards
1
Q
what are the roles of nitrogen (3)
A
- major component of atmosphere
- nitrogen gas cannot be used by plants so it must be converted to a usable form
- use of fertilizer (NO3) disrupts the natural cycle
2
Q
what is nitrogen fixation
A
soil bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia or ammonium
3
Q
what is nitrification
A
more soil bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates and nitrites (a usable form)
4
Q
what’s nitrogen absorption
A
nitrates and nitrates are absorbed by plants then eaten by animals
5
Q
what’s decomposition of waste
A
bacteria break down animal waste (feces, dead) to make more ammonia
6
Q
what’s denitrification
A
other soil bacteria then converts nitrates and nitrites back into nitrogen gas
