soil nutrient cycling

Soil nutrient cycling is the process by which essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium move through the soil, plants, and organisms. Microbes break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that plants absorb for growth. When plants and animals die, their remains decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. These nutrients can also be transformed by soil microbes into different forms, making them available or unavailable to plants as needed. This continuous cycle maintains soil fertility, supporting healthy plant growth and ecosystem balance.