the nitrogen cycle Flashcards
what is nitrogen fixation?
the process of converting nitrogen gas into ammonium ion
what are nitrogen fixing bacteria?
organisms that convert nitrogen gas into ammonium ion
what is nitrification?
the process of converting ammonium ion into nitrites then nitrates
what are nitrifying bacteria?
organisms that convert ammonium ion into nitrites then nitrates
what is denitrification?
the process of converting nitrates back into nitrogen gas
what are denitrifying bacteria?
organisms that convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas
what is decomposition?
the process of converting organic compounds into ammonuim
what is N2?
nitrogen gas
what is NH4+?
ammonium ion
what is NO2-?
nitrites
what is NO3-?
nitrates
what is NH4+?
ammonium
what is eutrophication?
extra nutrients = increase in amount of producers
