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The Nitrogen Cycle Chapter 2. Nitrogen The circular flow of nitrogen to free gas in the atmosphere (it is 78% of our atmosphere), to nitrogen compounds.

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Presentation on theme: "The Nitrogen Cycle Chapter 2. Nitrogen The circular flow of nitrogen to free gas in the atmosphere (it is 78% of our atmosphere), to nitrogen compounds."— Presentation transcript:

1 The Nitrogen Cycle Chapter 2

2 Nitrogen The circular flow of nitrogen to free gas in the atmosphere (it is 78% of our atmosphere), to nitrogen compounds (such as nitrates) in the soil, back to atmospheric nitrogen. In it’s elemental form (not a compound), it is a colorless, odorless gas. It must be combined with oxygen or other elements before it becomes available as a nutrient for living organisms. Plants and animals use nitrogen compounds to form DNA and proteins and vitamins.

3 Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen fixation-a process by which nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is converted to nitrates. This can happen in several different ways: – Nitrogen-fixing bacteria can convert gas to nitrates. Some of these bacteria live in the soil, and others live in nodules on the roots of legumes (like beans). – Several industrial processes convert the gas to nitrates. Ammonia gas (a by-product of steel making) can be converted to nitrates. These nitrates are used as fertilizers.

4 Nitrogen Cycle continued… – Nitrogen fixation also occurs naturally when lightning strikes. – Nitrates are also released when plants and animals decay, or from animal wastes.

5 Nitrogen Cycle continued… Denitrification is the process where nitrates are broken down and the nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere. – Happens by some bacteria – Also happens when nitrates are carried off by surface water, which constantly exchanges nitrogen with the atmosphere.

6 The Nitrogen Cycle, with pictures and arrows… Please look at Figure 2-10, on page 27.


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