The Nitrogen Cycle: A Human Perspective

The nitrogen cycle is the natural process by which nitrogen in the environment is converted into different chemical forms, essential for life. It starts when nitrogen gas in the air is turned into ammonia by bacteria in the soil. Plants absorb this ammonia to grow. Animals then consume the plants, and when they die, decomposition returns nitrogen to the soil. Human activities, like using fertilizers and burning fossil fuels, can disrupt this cycle, causing pollution and affecting ecosystems. Understanding this balance is crucial for sustainable agriculture and environmental health.