Earth Science

3.
STRAND 2: CYCLES: SUB-STRAND 1: EARTH SCIENCES

Nitrogen cycle as a repeated pattern in nature.
The nitrogen cycle is a repeating cycle of processes during which nitrogen moves through both living
and non-living things: the atmosphere, soil, water, plants, animals and bacteria.
The Processes of nitrogen cycle

The processes of the nitrogen cycle include:
1. Nitrogen fixation: Nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH 3) by
nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil and water. Some plants, such as legumes, also have nitrogen-fixing
bacteria in their roots that help them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
2. Assimilation: Plants absorb nitrate and ammonium from the soil to synthesize amino acids and other
nitrogen-containing organic compounds.
3. Ammonification: Decomposers, including bacteria and fungi, break down the organic nitrogen
compounds found in dead plants and animals, as well as animal waste, into ammonia.
4. Denitrification: Bacteria convert nitrate back into atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2), which is released
into the air.
Relationship between the nitrogen cycle and the environment

The nitrogen cycle is an essential process that is closely linked to the environment.
▪ Nitrogen is an important element that is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, proteins,
and other essential biological molecules in all living organisms.
▪ The nitrogen cycle involves the transformation of nitrogen compounds through a series of
processes that occur in soil, water, and the atmosphere, and is therefore critical for the health
and balance of ecosystems.
▪ The nitrogen cycle plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of nutrients in the
environment.
Why the nitrogen cycle is a repeated pattern in nature
The nitrogen cycle is a repeated pattern in nature because nitrogen is an essential element for life and is
constantly being used and recycled by living organisms. Nitrogen is a vital component of many
biological molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, and is required for the growth and
development of all living organisms.
Importance of the Nitrogen cycle to the environment

▪ It is essential for the growth of living organisms since nitrogen is an essential element for the
growth and development of living organisms, and the nitrogen cycle ensures that there is a
continuous supply of nitrogen available in the ecosystem. Nitrogen is a key component of
DNA, RNA, and proteins, and is needed for the synthesis of many important biological
molecules.
▪ It help maintains the balance of nutrients in ecosystems.
▪ Helps to reduce soil erosion
▪ It has positive and negative impacts on the environment.
Importance of nitrogen to the environment

1. Nitrogen is essential nutrient for plant growth
2. Nitrogen is an important component of biodiversity
3. Nitrogen helps to maintain soil fertility
4. Nitrogen affects climate change
How certain plants such as leguminous crops can replenish nitrogen in the soil
Leguminous crops, such as beans, peas, and alfalfa, ability to replenish nitrogen in the soil through a
process called nitrogen fixation. These crops form a symbiotic relationship with certain species of
bacteria called Rhizobia, which live in nodules on their roots.The Rhizobia bacteria are able to convert
atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonium (NH4+), a form of nitrogen that can be used by plants.
In return, the leguminous plant provides the bacteria with the energy and nutrients they need to carry
out this process. As the leguminous plant grows, it takes up the ammonium produced by the Rhizobia
and uses it to synthesize amino acids, proteins, and other important biological molecules. When the
leguminous crop is harvested or dies, the nitrogen-rich organic matter that remains in the soil can be
broken down by decomposers, releasing ammonium and other nitrogen compounds back into the soil.
This helps to replenish the soil with nitrogen, which is important for maintaining soil fertility and
productivity.
Disruption of the Nitrogen Cycle

There are several human activities that can disrupt the nitrogen cycle, including:
1. Fertilizer use
2. Industrial processes.
3. Deforestation
4. Discharge of wastewater and sewage into water bodies can introduce excess nutrients, including
nitrogen, which can cause algal blooms and fish kills.
5. Nitrogen deposition: Nitrogen deposition refers to the transfer of nitrogen compounds from the
atmosphere to the earth's surface. Human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and agricultural
practices can increase nitrogen deposition, which can have negative impacts on ecosystems.
Effects of Disruption of the Nitrogen Cycle

Disruption of the nitrogen cycle can have a number of negative effects on ecosystems and human
health, including:
1. Eutrophication: Excess nitrogen in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, a process in which
algae and other plants grow rapidly, deplete oxygen in the water, and create dead zones where
fish and other aquatic organisms cannot survive.
2. Air pollution and acid rain
3. Loss of biodiversity
4. Soil degradation
5. Climate change
6. Human health impacts: Excess nitrogen in drinking water can have negative impacts on
human health, including increased risk of cancer, birth defects, and other health problems.

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3.

STRAND 2: CYCLES: SUB-STRAND 1: EARTH SCIENCES

The Processes of nitrogen cycle

Relationship between the nitrogen cycle and the environment

Importance of the Nitrogen cycle to the environment

Importance of nitrogen to the environment

Disruption of the Nitrogen Cycle

Effects of Disruption of the Nitrogen Cycle

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