nutrient cycles
Nutrient cycles are natural processes through which essential nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus move through the environment, living organisms, and back again. For example, plants absorb nitrogen from the soil, animals eat the plants, and when they die, decomposers break them down, returning nutrients to the soil. This continuous recycling supports ecosystems, ensuring that living organisms have the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Understanding these cycles helps us recognize the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving our environment.
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Nutrient cycles refer to the continuous movement of essential nutrients through ecosystems, involving the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms. Key nutrients include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. In these cycles, plants absorb nutrients from the soil, animals consume plants, and when organisms die or excrete waste, nutrients return to the ground. Microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, ensuring nutrients are recycled for new growth. This process maintains ecosystem health, supporting biodiversity and enabling sustainable life on Earth. Understanding nutrient cycles is vital for environmental conservation and agriculture.