Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is a natural process that recycles nitrogen in the environment. Nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is captured by certain bacteria in the soil and converted into forms that plants can use, like nitrates. Plants absorb these nutrients, which are then passed on to animals when they eat the plants. When plants and animals die or excrete waste, nitrogen returns to the soil, where bacteria again convert it into gaseous nitrogen, releasing it back into the atmosphere. This cycle is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and supporting life on Earth.
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The nitrogen cycle is a natural process that recycles nitrogen in the environment. It involves several steps: nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is converted into a usable form by bacteria in the soil and roots (nitrogen fixation). Plants absorb this nitrogen to grow. When animals eat the plants, they gain nitrogen, which is then returned to the soil through waste and decomposition. Other bacteria convert this waste back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere. This cycle ensures a continuous supply of nitrogen, essential for life, to ecosystems.