nutrients cycle

Question 1

what are the general stages of the phosphorus cycle

Answer 1

weathering
runoff
assimilation
decomposition
uplift

Question 2

why is phosphorus cycle slow

Answer 2

phosphorus has no gas stage
most phosphorus is stored in rocks

Question 3

what happens during runoff and weathering

Answer 3

rocks erode and deteriorate

phosphate compound from sedimentary rocks leach into soil and water

Question 4

what is uplift

Answer 4

sedimentary layer in the oceans are brought up closer to the surface over many years

Question 5

what are the four main stages of nitrogen cycle

Answer 5

nitrogen fixation
ammonification
nitrification
denitrification

Question 6

describe nitrogen fixing

Answer 6

high energy of lightning breaks the nitrogen bond
nitrogen reacts with oxygen to form nitrite
then nitrite dissolves in water to make nitrate

Question 7

role of bacteria in nitrogen fixing

Answer 7

they reduce gaesous nitrogen into ammonia

Question 8

outline the role of bacteria in ammonification

Answer 8

saprobionts feed on and decompose material containing nitrogen
NH3 released
NH3 dissolves in soil to form NH4+

Question 9

role of bacteria in nitrification

Answer 9

in aerobic conditions
saprobionts convert ammonia into nitrites and water
the nitrites then go to form nitrates

Question 10

the role of bacteria in denitrification

Answer 10

ananerobic denitrifying bacteria convert soil nitrates into bacteria