The Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycle

The nitrogen and phosphorus cycles are natural processes that recycle these essential nutrients in ecosystems. Nitrogen, found in the atmosphere, is converted by bacteria into forms plants can use. Animals obtain nitrogen by eating plants or other animals. When organisms die, decomposers break them down, returning nitrogen to the soil. Phosphorus, mainly found in rocks and soil, becomes available to plants through weathering. Like nitrogen, it moves through food chains and is returned to the soil when organisms decompose. Both cycles are crucial for plant growth and maintaining healthy ecosystems.