Nutrient Cycle How are nutrients important in living systems? Every living organism needs nutrients to build tissues and carry out essential life functions. Like water, nutrients are passed between organisms and the environment through biogeochemical cycles. In many ecosystems, nutrients are often in short supply. Nutrient cycling prevents many chemicals from reaching toxic concentrations.

Three nutrient cycles play prominent roles in the biosphere: Nutrients All the chemical substances that an organism needs to sustain life are its nutrients. Three nutrient cycles play prominent roles in the biosphere: The carbon cycle The Nitrogen cycle The phosphorous cycle

The Carbon Cycle What are the four processes involved in the carbon cycle? There are four different kinds of processes involved in the carbon cycle. Biological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, eating and decomposition of plants and animals. Geochemical processes such as the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by volcanoes.

3. Mixed biogeochemical processes such as the burial of carbon-rich remains of organisms and their conversion into coal and petroleum by the pressure of the overlying earth. Human activity, including mining, the burning of fossil fuels, and the cutting and burning of forest. Human activity causing ozone depletion and global warming.

The Carbon Cycle CO2 in Atmosphere CO2 in oceans