Nitrogen Cycle

What is Nitrogen Cycle?

Nitrogen Cycle is a complex process through which nitrogen is converted into many forms, consecutively passing from the atmosphere, to the soil, to organisms and back into the atmosphere.

Nitrogen is naturally added and removed from the soil. It involves several processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, decay and putrefactionPutrefaction is the decay or rotting in the body or other organic matter by the action of microorganisms resulting in the production of a foul smell. It occurs between 10 to... More.

Importance of Nitrogen Cycle:

• Nitrogen cycle is a natural way of regulating the amount of nitrogen in the soil and air.
• Nitrogen fixation involves soil organisms which add a reasonable amount of nitrogen to the soil.
• It is essential for the survival of plants because plants need nitrates for their survival and growth.
• It helps the plants to manufacture chlorophyll from the nitrogen compound.
• Nitrogen cycle provides the nitrogen compounds that enrich the soil and make it fertile and suitable for growing plants.

Ways by which Nitrogen is Added to the Soil in the Nitrogen Cycle:

• Direct fixation by lightening during rainfall (Electrical discharge)
• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root nodulesRoot nodules are commonly found on the roots of leguminous plants e.g. peas, beans, soybean, alfalfa, clover, etc. They provide a home for symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium. Rhizobia is the general... More.
• Ammonification.
• Nitrification.
• Decomposition of organic matterOrganic matter is anything that contains carbon compounds that were formed by living organisms. It covers a wide range of things like lawn clippings, leaves, stems, branches, moss, algae, lichens any... More.
• Application of nitrogenous fertilizers.
• Incorporation into the soil by free-living bacteria or non-symbiotic bacteria.

Ways by which Soil can Gain Nitrogen: